The science is too clear, the facts are too (compelling), the health and social consequences are too devastating and the costs are simply too high," he added.
The study offers a number of recommendations including:
- Educating the public that teen (substance) use is a public health problem and that addiction is a medical problem that in most cases begins in adolescence.
- Using effective public health (strategies) to prevent or delay the start of substance use.
- Routine screenings to identify teens most at risk.
- Early intervention to prevent further substance use and consequences.
- Giving teens with substance use disorders appropriate medical treatment.
The study findings are based on online surveys of 1,000 high school students, 1,000 parents of high school students and 500 school (personnel); analyses of seven national data sets; (interviews) with 50 leading experts; five focus groups with students, parents and school personnel; and a review of 2,000 scientific articles and reports.