Despite ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis, there has been a steady increase in the number of individuals struggling with substance use disorder. This trend has left healthcare providers and parents searching for effective ways to address the problem. In this episode of Pediatric Meltdown, Dr. Lia Gaggino and Dr. Deepa Camenga delve into the impact of the opioid epidemic on children and teenagers. They also discuss strategies for screening, identifying, and treating substance use disorder in pediatric patients. One of the primary challenges faced by clinicians is maintaining confidentiality. It is crucial to ensure that teenagers feel heard and respected, as this is instrumental in building trust and facilitating necessary treatment. Simultaneously, parents play a vital role in initiating open conversations with their children about substance use and addiction. By proactively managing addiction at an early stage, teenagers can lead healthy and fulfilling lives, thereby avoiding the long-term consequences associated with addiction. If you know anyone who might be battling with this issue, please share this very important episode.
[00:33 -14:14] Opioid Use Disorders in the US
- Approximately 2.7 million people in the US have an opioid use disorder
- The numbers of teens and young adults with opioid use disorder are smaller but may be underestimated
- The age of first use of opioids has risen from adolescence to just above 18 years old
- The AAP recommends validated screeners for substance use such as the S2BI, B-STAD, and CRAS
[14:15 – 27:24] Strategies for Supporting Youth with Substance Use
- Build a trusting relationship with the youth
- Use open-ended questions to encourage conversation
- Listen actively and reflectively to what the youth is saying
- Avoid using judgmental language or tone
[27:25 – 38:59] Confidentiality in Adolescent Substance Use
- Gray area in breaking confidentiality for substance use
- Breaking confidentiality for fentanyl and heroin use is necessary
- Clinical judgment needed for vaping and cannabis use
- Be prepared for uncomfortable conversations with parents about breaking confidentiality
[39:00 – 48:06] Resources for Treating Substance Use in Teens
- Child psychiatry access programs are expanding across the US
- Family medicine providers can be valuable resources for treatment referrals
- The Provider’s Clinical Support System offers resources on medications for opioid use disorder
- The AAP provides buprenorphine trainings and echoes for pediatric clinicians
[48:07 – 55:45] Closing segment Takeaway
You can reach Dr. Deepa Camenga
www.linkedin.com/in/Deepa-Camenga.
Links to resources mentioned on the show
–AAP News Article: Fentanyl a rising threat to child health: What pediatricians should know
–Resources for Parents Partnership to End Addiction drugfree.org
–Provider Clinical Support System. https://www.samhsa.gov/providers-clinical-support-system-pcss
–National Survey on Drug Use and Health NSDUH https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/nsduh-national-survey-drug-use-and-health
–AAP Policy Statement: Medication-Assisted Treatment of Adolescents With Opioid Use Disorders. Pediatrics September 2016; 138 (3): e20161893. 10.1542/peds.2016-1893
Other episodes you may like:
117 Tobacco and Nicotine Use in Teens: Screening and Intervention
81 Cannabinoid Use and Vaping: Teen Use and Prevention
80 Alcohol Use By Kids: How to Ask. How to Help
Key quotes for Twitter:
“We kind of forget about the young people in this epidemic.”… Dr. Camenga on The Impact of Opioid Use Disorder on Teens
“For parents, I like the Partnership to End Addiction. It has great parent-facing materials about caring for a teen with early signs of substance use, as well as enacting prevention strategies within your family.”… Dr. Camenga on Resources for Substance Abuse Among Teens
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
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