Substance Use Disorders and Neurologic Illness.

Because of the high rates of substance use disorders among the general and clinical populations, and the abuse potential of many medications commonly used in the treatment of neurologic illnesses, the treating neurologist must deal with drug misuse and abuse in practice. The most important tool neurologists must have in their arsenal is the ability to assess for and recognize substance use disorders in their patients. Any treatment plan developed for such patients must include ongoing management of substance abuse issues.