NIDA Launches Web-based Substance Use Tools for Physicians

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has launched its first Web-based Physicians’ Outreach Initiative, NIDAMED, providing primary care physicians with tools and resources to screen and assess their patients for tobacco, alcohol, illicit drug, and nonmedical prescription drug use during routine office visits. Resources include an online screening tool adapted from the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), a downloadable companion quick reference guide, and a comprehensive physician resource guide. Also included is a patient-tested postcard that encourages patients to “Tell Your Doctors About All the Drugs You Use” and offers Web links for further information. To access the new tools, visit www.drugabuse.gov/nidamed.