Screening for Drugs of Abuse in Children and Adolescents

Background

Increasing concern about the widespread use of psychoactive drugs has been accompanied by an increase in drug screening. Concerns about the potential harms of drug use are compounded in the pediatric population because of the diminished capacity of minors to make informed, autonomous decisions, and the added possibilities of long-term effects in a developing individual. The purpose of this statement is to clarify the issues and state the Academy's position on screening programs.