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Asking List Of Questions May Reveal Drug Problem
Study Finds Half Of Teens Admit Using Drugs, Alcohol To Doctor
POSTED: 11:59 a.m. EST December 20, 2002
CLEVELAND -- It's time for Bethany Davison's annual doctor's visit, but the questions of today are different than those of years past, according to Health Reporter Alicia Booth.
One such question is: "Have you been using any substances? Like cigarettes, alcohol or other drugs?"
Davison's mother, Lisa, is glad about the change.
"I do think it's a good idea, just because there's a lot of that happening," she said.
Bethany, 17, admits substance abuse is a problem for some teens.
"Yeah, basically drinking is pretty normal," Bethany said. "Smoking is pretty normal. Other drugs come around in and out."
A new study finds half of all teenagers who visit their doctor admit to using alcohol or drugs. More than one in four has a serious problem.
"This is very concerning," said Dr. John R. Knight, a pediatrician. "I don't think anyone had imagined that the numbers were going to be quite that high."
Knight put together a new screening tool for doctors. It's a set of questions to ask teens called "The Crafft Test."
- Have you ever ridden in a car driven by someone who had used alcohol or drugs?
- Do you ever use alcohol or drugs to relax or fit in?
- Do you ever use when you are alone?
- Do you ever forget things you did while using alcohol or drugs?
- Do your friends tell you, you should cut down on your drinking?
- Have you gotten into trouble while using alcohol or drugs
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