“Research has shown adolescents with opioid abuse are often under-diagnosed and under-treated.”
Background of Adolescent Drug Abuse
- 4 out of 5 drug users start using in adolescence
- Median age of drug abuse with dependence: 14 years old
- Over 25% of 12th graders have ben prescribed narcotic painkillers at one point or another
- In a sample of 10,000 students:
- Over 80% had the opportunity to use illicit drugs
- 42% used drugs
- 16% qualified for drug abuse
Who is at Risk?
The adolescent population is particularly vulnerable due to their desire to gain independence through experimenting with new things and new patterns of behavior. It has been found that adolescents who begin abusing substances are at higher risk of greater substance abuse later in life. Risk factors can be broken up into four categories: physical, social, psychological, and familial.
Physical Factors
- Male
- Racial minorities
- Ethnic minorities
Social Factors
- Peer pressure
- Substance use as seen on movies/TV
- Social media
Psychological Factors
- Desire to experiment
- Desire to gain independence
- Poor self-esteem
- Poor self-control
- History of anxiety
Familial Factors
- Family conflict
- Poor monitoring of children
- Overly strict discipline
- Poor bonding
- Low family income levels
Intervention Programs
School Based Long-Term Comprehensive Programs
Life Skills Training
- Delivered by teachers
- Teaches students drug resistance skills, self-management and social skills
- 3-year program
The Project Towards No Drug Abuse
- Lessons with motivational activities, social skills training, and decision-making training
The Unplugged Program
- 12 one-hour sessions
- Focuses on social influences and teaching life skills
Community Based Interventions
Opioid Toolkit
- Training the community how to administer Naloxone
- Local support groups
- “Drug take back” events – proper disposal of medications
Family Based Interventions
Creating Lasting Family Connections
- Weekly parent and youth training sessions
Relapse Prevention
- Early identification of misuse and intervention by pediatrician
- Medications: Buprenorphine, Naltrexone
- Significantly less prescribed to adolescents
- Hispanic and Aftrican American adolescents are even less likely to receive
For more information:
Watch this short lecture on opioid use and adolescents
https://panopto.con.ohio-state.edu/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=dbc701e1-012e-4cc6-9e72-ed3d294e7354