American Society of Addiction Medicine
American Society of Addiction Medicine
Lead: Buprenorphine Dispensing Among Youth Aged ≤19 Years in the United States
Lead: Buprenorphine Dispensing Among Youth Aged ≤19 Years in the United States
Lead: Buprenorphine Dispensing Among Youth Aged ≤19 Years in the United States
Tuesday 7th February 2023
Discover how pediatricians can help address youth opioid addiction by expanding access to medications like buprenorphine. Tune in for key insights.
8 minutes
Informative
Hopeful
Educational
Authentic
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
American Society of Addiction Medicine
Overview:
Categories:
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
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Get the buttons here!Youth Opioid Crisis: How Pediatricians Can Make a Difference
Given rates of opioid use disorder among youth, these findings suggest that many youth who could benefit from these medications are not receiving them. Pediatrics could play a role in expanding access to medications for opioid use disorder for this high-risk population.
Imagine being a young person grappling with opioid addiction, yet not having access to the life-saving medications that could help. This episode of 'Addiction Medicine Unpacked' from ASAM takes a hard look at the rising rates of opioid-related overdoses among adolescents and young adults in the United States. Despite the effectiveness of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) like buprenorphine, they remain underutilized among youth.
Host Claire Rasmussen dives into why this is happening and what can be done about it. One key solution discussed is the role pediatricians can play in expanding access to MOUD for this vulnerable population. By improving their training in opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment and encouraging all clinicians who care for young people to prescribe buprenorphine, pediatricians could make a significant impact.
The episode highlights that many young people who could benefit from these medications are simply not receiving them. But that's just one piece of the puzzle. The podcast also touches on broader systemic issues, like the lack of Medicare coverage for all substance use disorder treatments. A recent study mentioned in the episode explores the potential cost savings of expanding Medicare coverage for OUD, suggesting that billions could be saved by addressing comorbid conditions through comprehensive treatment.
Another eye-opening study discussed examines the link between prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines and opioid-related deaths, stressing the need for safer prescribing practices. The episode also delves into mental models that perpetuate inequalities in research institutions, which could help in better screening and treatment for young people. Listeners will also hear about pharmacists' willingness to sell fentanyl test strips, the rise of high-intensity drinking among young adults, and the transition from full agonist opioids to long-acting depot buprenorphine in inpatient settings.
These topics are crucial for anyone interested in addiction medicine and the ongoing efforts to improve access to care. This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical solutions for tackling the youth opioid crisis. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a policymaker, or someone personally affected by addiction, you'll find this discussion both informative and inspiring.