Substance use refers to the consumption, inhalation, or injection of alcohol, tobacco products, marijuana, illicit drugs, and other substances, potentially leading to dependency and various harmful consequences.
In 2019, 60.1 percent of those aged 12 or above engaged in substance use, including tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drugs, within the previous month. Specifically, 50.8 percent reported alcohol consumption, 21.1 percent used tobacco products, and 13.0 percent used illicit drugs during the past month.1
Patients struggling with the issue of substance use often rely on you to offer support and help them find the resources they need. The AAFP supports office-based treatments, including a framework for identifying and managing substance use disorders. You can find proven strategies to promote behavior change, specifically motivational communication with patients.
References:
1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration; 2020. Accessed August 23, 2023. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2019-nsduh-annual-national-report
These resources will provide you with a variety of approaches to caring for patients who are struggling with substance use.