You know how sometimes you’re trying to find a hidden object in one of those Where’s Waldo books, but it’s just so darn hard to spot him among all the busy pages? Well, detecting adolescent substance use has become a bit like that. Over the past decade, there has been a global surge in the use of e-cigarettes/vaping, cannabis, and prescription opioids by teenagers. But here’s the tricky part: these substances are not always easy for adults to detect. It’s like trying to find a tiny needle in a massive haystack! So, researchers have come up with concrete steps for healthcare professionals and parents to improve their screening, detection, and intervention methods. They’ve created some kind of super magnifying glass that can zoom in on those hidden clues of adolescent substance use. These strategies will help parents and healthcare professionals be more proactive in identifying early signs and providing timely support. So, if you’ve got a teenager in your life and suspect they might be dabbling in substances, check out the research linked below for some valuable tips and tricks!
