HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

As a health care provider, you are in a unique position to prevent, detect, and treat alcohol use in pre- and early adolescence. Health care professionals are also influential members of their communities who can speak knowledgeably about the damage done by underage drinking and ways early alcohol use can be prevented.

In this section you will find warning signs of a drinking problem, questions to ask yourself as a health care provider, and resources that include useful publications and helpful organizations. 

As a health care provider, ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I alert to signs of underage drinking during routine physical examinations and office visits and at times of medical emergencies?

• Do I promote the use of public spaces in health care settings to distribute educational literature?

• Do I use my knowledge and expertise about the dangers of alcohol to support community education and prevention programs regarding underage alcohol use?