Substance abuse
ISSUE SUMMARY
Despite intensive educational efforts for over a generation, alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse continues to have serious consequences in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities. The health consequences of substance abuse are well known and far-reaching. Cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and lung disease can all be consequences of alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse. Some of these consequences occur when substances are used at high doses or after prolonged use, however, some health effects may begin to occur after just one use. Though prevention science has made progress in recent years, much more needs to be done to prevent adolescents in particular from engaging in behaviors that start young people on the path to substance abuse. Effective prevention efforts must start in the home, but health professionals have a responsibility to identify and help individuals and families address substance abuse early and effectively.
ADOPTED ACTION OR POLICY
The Kansas Medical Society reaffirms the medical profession’s strong opposition to the abuse of alcohol, drugs and tobacco, because of their deleterious effects on human health. KMS urges physicians on an individual basis to be more cognizant of the potential for substance abuse in their evaluation of patients and be encouraged to discuss these problems openly with their patients. KMS strongly supports and encourages the University of Kansas School of Medicine to initiate and/or strengthen their current efforts to educate medical students and residents regarding the identification, treatment and prevention of substance abuse problems. KMS also encourages physicians to include content on the diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse in their continuing medical education activities.
Adopted by the KMS House of Delegates on May 1, 2010.
