S6 Ep127: Holy Smokes! Learning the Basics and Beyond of Opioid Use Disorder in Teens
Dec 4, 2024
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Dr. Scott Hadland, Chief of Adolescent Medicine at Mass General for Children and a Harvard professor, dives deep into the opioid crisis affecting teens. He highlights the staggering statistic of adolescent overdoses and shares practical tools for addressing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). The discussion emphasizes the importance of routine screenings and harm reduction strategies, particularly amid the fentanyl crisis. He also addresses barriers to prescribing buprenorphine and the need for compassionate conversations, equipping families with vital knowledge to navigate these challenges.
Understanding the difference between substance use and use disorders is essential for pediatricians to provide appropriate care for adolescents.
Educating adolescents and their families about naloxone and overdose prevention is crucial for reducing risks associated with drug use.
Enhancing access to specialized treatment for opioid use disorder in adolescents is vital to overcoming barriers in healthcare and improving outcomes.
Deep dives
Understanding Substance Use and Disorders in Adolescents
Differentiating between substance use and substance use disorders is crucial for pediatricians. Many adolescents engage in substance use, but this does not always equate to a disorder. The DSM-5 outlines 11 criteria for diagnosing substance use disorders, and meeting at least two of these is essential for classification. Pediatricians can better address these issues by utilizing screening tools, such as the CRAFT assessment, to identify adolescents who may be at risk and provide appropriate counseling and support.
The Importance of Counsel on Naloxone and Safe Practices
Counseling adolescents and their families about naloxone use and overdose prevention is vital in addressing substance use issues. Practitioners should approach these conversations nonjudgmentally, discussing the potential dangers of illicit drugs, especially those containing fentanyl. Recommendations include having naloxone available in homes and educating teens on safe practices, such as not using drugs alone and knowing how to respond during an overdose. This proactive approach can mitigate risks and empower both the youth and their families.
Barriers to Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Access to effective treatment for opioid use disorder in adolescents often faces significant barriers. Many teens lack access to specialized care, particularly in rural areas, and healthcare providers remain undertrained in prescribing critical medications like buprenorphine. The shortage of pediatric expertise in treatment settings also compounds these issues, leading to a disparity in care compared to adults. To ensure better access, healthcare professionals must advocate for comprehensive services that meet the needs of adolescents struggling with substance use.
The Role of Naloxone and Medication-Assisted Treatment
Naloxone plays an essential role in overdose prevention and should be a standard prescription for individuals at risk. Additionally, buprenorphine is the only FDA-approved medication for treating opioid use disorder in adolescents aged 16 and older, and its accessibility has improved. It is critical for healthcare providers to educate themselves on the proper protocols for initiating buprenorphine treatment, including managing dosing and withdrawal symptoms. With timely access to these resources, healthcare professionals can significantly impact the lives of adolescents struggling with substance use.
Fostering Open Conversations About Substance Use
Creating an environment of open communication between healthcare providers and adolescents is paramount in addressing substance use. Practitioners should prioritize clear, consistent messaging that distinguishes between recreational use and harmful implications, particularly regarding fentanyl. Encouraging honest discussions about the motivations behind substance use, while recommending harm reduction strategies, can foster trust and safety. This supportive approach not only benefits the individual but also strengthens the overall patient-provider relationship.
Every week, the equivalent of a high-school classroom’s worth of students (an average of 22 adolescents) dies of drug overdoses in the United States. Join us and expert guest Dr. Scott Hadland (Mass General for Children, Harvard Medical School) as we explore Opioid Use Disorder, a rapidly evolving disease affecting our youth. Dr. Hadland provides a big picture understanding of this complex problem but also gives practical day to day tools for tackling OUD in teens. Come and be surprised by how much better you can navigate opioid use among teens.
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