Prevention and Management of Opioid use Disorder and Overdose in Adolescents and Young Adults

Despite more recent declines in opioid overdose deaths, opioid use among adolescents and young adults (AYA) continues to be a significant public health crisis in the U.S., contributing to various adverse health outcomes. We summarized peer-reviewed literature on the prevalence, risk factors, treatment options, and barriers to evidence-based care for AYA with opioid misuse and opioid use disorder (OUD).

Despite the significant need, treatment access for OUD among AYA is low, with limited utilization of evidence-based practices including medications for OUD (MOUD). Primary barriers to effective treatment include inadequate healthcare provider training, a shortage of specialized facilities, prevalent stigma towards treatment, and prohibitive costs. Furthermore, greater naloxone distribution is necessary to reduce overdose deaths in this population. Comprehensive efforts to enhance MOUD accessibility, integrate behavioral interventions, reduce stigma, and support ongoing research into effective AYA-specific strategies are needed to address this national crisis.