Research Shows Lack of Proper SUD Screening for Youth

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School have found that many youth are not being properly screened for substance use disorders (SUD) during routine healthcare visits. The study used national data from over 45,000 adolescents and young adults and found that current screening practices often fall short of recommended guidelines. This means that many young people with early signs of substance use may be missed, delaying support and care that could help them.

The study found that less than half of youth said they were asked about substance use during doctor visits, and even fewer were screened using standardized tools. When screenings did happen, they often focused only on certain substances like alcohol or tobacco, and didn’t use tools like the CRAFFT questionnaire, which is recommended for identifying substance use risks in youth. The researchers also found that younger teens, and Black and Hispanic youth, were less likely to receive thorough or appropriate screenings.

These gaps matter because early and consistent screening is key to catching problems before they get worse. Without proper screening, youth may not get connected to help like counseling or prevention programs, and their substance use may go unnoticed until it becomes more serious.

This research, published in JAMA, highlights the need for stronger screening practices in pediatric and adolescent care. Healthcare providers should be supported with training and tools to screen all youth during routine visits, using evidence-based methods. Policymakers can also help by encouraging the use of standard screening tools and ensuring care teams have the time and resources needed to do this work well, especially for young people who are often overlooked.