Adolescent ingestions: Various reasons and medications

Based on observational studies, adolescent substance abuse remains a persistent widespread public health issue. Adolescents most often abuse alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. Other commonly abused substances include OTC cough and cold products, inhalants, and nonmedical use of prescription drugs. • Based on observational studies, recent trends indicate that adolescents are using vaping devices in rising numbers, whereas marijuana use remains relatively stable and opioid misuse is at record lows. Based on opinion, it is important for pediatricians, primary care providers, and emergency physicians to stay informed about current trends in adolescent substance abuse. Based on level D evidence primarily from consensus reviews, in most cases of acute intoxication, application of directed supportive and pharmacologic care is sufficient. Based on consensus, specific antidotal therapies may be warranted in the appropriate clinical scenario. Routine urine immunoassays for “drugs of abuse” are generally not helpful in real time. Furthermore, false-positive and false-negative results are common and can lead to inappropriate interpretation.