Alcohol use and abuse: a pediatric concern.
Alcohol use and abuse by children and adolescents continue to be a major problem. Pediatricians should interview their patients regularly about alcohol use within the family, by friends, and by themselves. A comprehensive substance abuse curriculum should be integrated into every pediatrician's training. Advertising of alcohol in the media, on the Internet, and during sporting events is a powerful force that must be addressed. Availability of alcohol to minors must be controlled, and interventions for the child and adolescent drinker and punitive action for the purveyor are encouraged.
D000293:Adolescent; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D001290:Attitude; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008402:Mass Media; D010379:Peer Group; D010819:Physician's Role; D012307:Risk Factors; D012938:Social Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology