For the first time, U.S. panel recommends screening adults for illicit drug use
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says it's a good idea for doctors to ask their adult patients about illicit drug use when effective treatment and care are available.
As new ways to identify and treat people who use opioids and other drugs emerge, an independent panel of experts is recommending that health care providers screen their adult patients for illicit drug use.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has determined, for the first time, that there is enough evidence to state with “moderate certainty” that screening adults for illicit substance use is overall beneficial.
What the panel means by “screening” means a physician asking a patient a series of questions. The answers can indicate who might need to be offered or referred support. It does not include drug testing. “Screening tools are not meant to
