Health care policy

Substance abuse is a public health concern that involves human biological and physical needs, psycho-social demands, cognitive and spiritual fulfillment, and environmental formulations. Substance abuse has a major impact on individuals, families, and communities. The effects of substance abuse are cumulative, significantly contributing to costly social, physical, mental, and public health problems. These problems include: teenage pregnancy; HIV/AIDS; domestic violence; child abuse; crime; homicide; and suicide. Interactive platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have become important sources of public information, and are powerful tools to help scientists identify prevailing attitudes and myths and convey accurate information to the public about alcohol, tobacco, and other addictive substances. By providing a platform for communicating science-based, health-related messages, social media may also enhance screening, prevention, and treatment of substance use and addiction.