Substance abuse in office-based practice, An Issue of Primary Care Clinics in Office Practice

Substance use disorders occur in 10% to 20% of patients presenting to the primary care physician, and rates are increasing. Primary care physicians are therefore in an excellent position to screen, provide early intervention, or refer patients to specialty care. This issue covers several types of substance abuse-including alcohol, prescription drugs, and recreational drugs-and gives detailed information on screening for and treating these problems.