Ways to Address the Opioid Epidemic in Youth and Young Adults

As opioid and prescription drug misuse have reached epidemic proportion, overdose and opioid use disorder risks for adolescents and young adults have continued to rise. Between 1997 and 2012, opioid-related hospitalizations for minors rose twofold. Additionally, a recent survey of college students indicated that nearly a quarter engaged in nonmedical use of prescription painkillers.

These statistics are chilling given that youth and young adults living with opioid use disorder (OUD) are at risk for experiencing cognitive and developmental disorders later in life. Opioid treatment and prevention strategies that are responsive to the needs of youth and young adults are integral to addressing the epidemic.

• Youth-Oriented OUD prevention strategies
• Motivational interviewing for youth and young adults
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for OUD for youth and young adults