Task Force Recommends Screening for Illicit Drug Use

In an effort to address the opioid epidemic, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released a new recommendation, available for public comment until September 8^th, recommending that physicians screen adults for illicit drug use, “including nonmedical use of prescription drugs.” The Task Force has defined “illicit drug use” to include the use of prescribed psychoactive medications for reasons other than those for which the medication was prescribed. This recommendation applies only to those 18 years or older and provides recommendations for screening tools.