Opioid Use Disorders in Adolescents —Updates in Assessment and Management

AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review information specific to adolescents regarding trends in opioid use, risk factors for opioid misuse, medical co-morbidity, and treatment updates.Recent FindingsAlthough opioid misuse in adolescents is uncommon, it is associated with morbidity and mortality such as hepatitis C and overdose. Adolescents commonly start with prescription opioid misuse before transitioning to heroin use. The existing literature supports the use of buprenorphine/naloxone for the treatment of adolescent opioid use disorders. Safe medication storage and disposal is important to decrease adolescent prescription opioid misuse.SummaryOpioid misuse occurs in adolescents, and pediatric providers need to remain up to date.
Source: Current Pediatrics Reports - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research