# Brief Interventions by Pediatricians can Reduce Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Abuse > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/brief-interventions-adolescent-substance-use-reduce-abuse/ > **Published:** 2022-04-21T13:41:57-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:16:41-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Brief interventions adolescent substance use by pediatricians can reduce alcohol and drug abuse among at-risk teens effectively. --- Understanding Which Teenagers Benefit Most From a Brief Primary Care [Substance Use](https://cedclinic.com/stroke-risk-assessment-substance-use/) Intervention In Summary A recent study has revealed that brief interventions given by primary care physicians can reduce alcohol and drug abuse among at-risk adolescents. This study aimed to address only alcohol and [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) disorders in teenagers who already reported the misuse of such substances. Participants were randomly assigned to receive an intervention from their physician or assigned as controls and then asked about their [substance use](https://cedclinic.com/stroke-risk-assessment-substance-use/) habits 12 months later. Those who received an intervention reported a marked decrease in substance use through self-reporting and chemical screening. This research suggests that pediatricians and other general practitioners should speak candidly about the risks of [substance use disorders](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-clinical-trials-mental-disorders-evidence-2/) with their patients. Pieces like the featured article highlight the importance of responsible [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/). Cannabis is becoming more socially acceptable as states continue to put forth policies that legalize medical and recreational use. Like alcohol and other drugs, cannabis should remain a semi-controlled substance whose availability is restricted by age or other factors so that at-risk youth are unable or less likely to abuse its benefits. State laws currently decide who has access to cannabis but as at-home cultivators become more prominent it will be necessary to ensure the security of those plants to prevent adolescents from misusing plants grown by family or friends. The study is available for review or download here: [DOWNLOAD & REVIEW HERE](https://www.cedfoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Understanding-Which-Teenagers-Benefit-Most-From-a-Brief-Primary-Care-Substance-Use-Intervention.pdf) View more studies like this in the CED Foundation Archive: [More access here](https://cedclinic.com/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [420 with CNW — Study Links Psychiatric Disorders to Adolescent Cannabis Use](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-psychiatric-outcomes-2026-digest/) Explore the connection between [adolescent cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-use-and-anxiety-research/) and psychiatric disorders in this detailed study. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/adolescent-cannabis-psychiatric-outcomes-2026-digest/) [Teens Using Weed Have Doubled Risk For Psychosis, Bipolar Disorder](https://cedclinic.com/teen-cannabis-use-bipolar-disorder-risk/) Learn about the increased mental health risks associated with teen cannabis use. [Discover Insights](https://cedclinic.com/teen-cannabis-use-bipolar-disorder-risk/) [Teens Who Use Cannabis Face Higher Risk Of Mental Disorders, Study Finds – Forbes](https://cedclinic.com/teen-cannabis-use-mental-health-risks-study/) A Forbes report highlighting the mental health risks linked to [adolescent cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-disorder-psychiatric-risk/) consumption. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/teen-cannabis-use-mental-health-risks-study/) Have thoughts on this? 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