I Screen, You Screen, We Should All Screen for Unhealthy Drug Use

Nearly 1 in 8 Americans older than 12 used illicit substances in 2018, including misuse of prescription medications. In addition, more than 80% of those who would benefit from substance use treatment in the past year did not receive it. Thus, the importance of identifying and offering treatment should be a priority — particularly in primary care settings. However, there are many barriers to implementing unhealthy substance use screening including pervasive stigma, lack of clinician comfort, logistics, and limited knowledge of or avenues for treatment when unhealthy drug use is uncovered. The US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently published updated recommendations on drug use screening.

Guest Authors: Melissa C. Palmer, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP; Jordan Cooler, PharmD, BCPP; and Amanda Stahnke, PharmD, BCACP

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