What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to address the chronic condition of addiction starting in adolescence and explore intervention strategies.

May 27, 2026Open Access

Opioids and Adolescents

GSGlòria SánchezUCLA Medical Center SLShona LoweWest Los Angeles College TNTheresa NevarezUCLA Medical Center

Key Points

The aim is to address the chronic condition of addiction starting in adolescence and explore intervention strategies.
Providers are trained in evidence-based methods for prevention, screening, and treatment of substance use.
The use of naloxone for harm reduction is emphasized, alongside medications like buprenorphine.
Focus on early identification of at-risk substance use, particularly concerning fentanyl contamination.
Implementation of harm reduction resources, such as naloxone, shows a potential to reduce overdose rates.
Early intervention in adolescents significantly improves access to life-saving treatments for opioid use disorder.
Evidence supports the effectiveness of buprenorphine as a treatment option for adolescents with substance use issues.

Abstract

Addiction is a treatable, chronic condition of pediatric onset. Providers will learn how to use evidence-based methods for prevention , screening, and treatment of substance use among adolescents. Treating adolescents who use substances can be an opportunity to provide life-saving harm reduction resources including naloxone and start medications for opioid use disorder such as buprenoprhine. Identifying early, at-risk substance use is increasingly critical given the risk of lethal overdose due to fentanyl contamination.

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