141. Adolescents Presenting With Illicit Drug Toxicity from Opioid, Stimulant or Sedative Use: A National Cross-Sectional Survey of Canadian Pediatricians

Illicit drug toxicity is a public health emergency, with escalating mortality trends since the advent of synthetic opioids in the drug supply in 2016. Although predominantly viewed as an adult health issue, drug toxicity is a major concern in adolescents, and the leading cause of mortality in this age group in several jurisdictions. Despite this, education on substance use care including treatment and harm reduction for pediatricians is lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of pediatricians and pediatric sub-specialists in Canada that care for young people between 12-18 years that have been involved with cases of illicit drug toxicity from illicit opioid, stimulant, and sedative use.
Source: Journal of Adolescent Health - Category: Child Development Authors: Source Type: research