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Opioid Use Disorders in Adolescents-Updates in Assessment and Management
Amy M Yule1,2,3, Rachael M Lyons1, Timothy E Wilens1,2,3
1Pediatric Psychopharmacology Program, Division of Child Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114.
Purpose Of Review:
To review information specific to adolescents regarding trends in opioid use, risk factors for opioid misuse, medical co-morbidity, and treatment updates.
Recent Findings:
Although 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.
Summary:
Opioid misuse occurs in adolescents and pediatric providers need to remain up to date.
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