Treatment Options for Opioid Abuse in Adolescents
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.3678Keywords:
Opioid, MOUD, Medication for opioid use disorder, AdolescentsAbstract
The opioid and substance epidemic is a significant public health concern in the United States. Among the many population groups that are affected, adolescents are especially vulnerable due to their biological underdevelopment, susceptibility to their environment, and vulnerability to comorbid psychiatric symptoms. This review examines contributors to adolescent opioid misuse and explores the treatment options for patients, including medication-based treatments such as methadone and buprenorphine. Factors that often lead adolescents to SUD lie in multiple causes, such as their social environment, psychiatric conditions, and circumstances, such as an injury. Through research, this review shows that although prevention programs and psychosocial interventions are effective, access to evidence-based treatment (particularly medication for opioid use disorder) remains inaccessible or limited to adolescents. Overall, the findings show the need for adolescent-tailored prevention strategies and expanded access to medication-based treatment that are proven to be effective for both adults and adolescents alike.
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