Nonmedical Prescription Drug Use among Adolescents: Global Epidemiological Evidence for Prevention, Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

Purpose of review: This paper reviews the most recent epidemiological evidence on adolescent NMPD use. Particular attention is given to prevention, assessment and diagnosis of disorder, and treatment.

Recent findings: While international in scope, global evidence is only available for NMPD use, morbidity and mortality estimates. Prevention strategies, assessment and treatment are U.S.-centric. The literature on prevention strategies lacks high-quality evidence. Assessment, diagnosis and treatment of NMPD use disorder have more robust evidence bases. Despite this, screening for NMPD (and other drug) use disorders is infrequent and insensitive, leading to incomplete treatment provision. Treatments are shown to be safe and effective, but disparities in provision prevent wide-scale amelioration of the adolescent NMPD use problem.

Summary: Mental health care professionals and primary care physicians with adolescent patient populations should become involved in preventative strategies mentioned in this review. Additionally, higher screening rates will lead to less downstream problems related to NMPD use.