Perspectives on Medication Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder in Adolescents: Results from a Provider Learning Series

Abstract

Background: Adolescent opioid use and associated opioid poisoning rates have risen dramatically in the United States, yet this group has disproportionally poorer access to evidence-based medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Methods: A transdisciplinary cohort (N = 77) who attended a learning series focused on MOUD for adolescents were surveyed with the purpose of understanding the landscape of current adolescent MOUD practices in Washington State; and needs and barriers to providing care. Results: Results indicated that a higher percentage of prescriber participants endorsed support for MOUD for adolescents than nonprescriber participants. Lack of adjunctive support services (i.e., social work; mental health) were cited as the highest barriers to providing this care. Conclusions: We discuss the importance of continued transdisciplinary training and collaboration, as well as funding ancillary services to address barriers to providing adolescent MOUD.

Keywords:

• Adolescence
• opioid use disorder
• buprenorphine

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to extend special thanks to all who participated took the time to complete the survey. We also want to thank Nicole Branche, who assisted with survey dissemination.

Funding

Funding for the clinical training was provided under contract to Banta-Green by the Washington State Health Care Authority with funding from the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, State Opioid Response grant. Funding for data analysis and manuscript authoring was provided by internal funds from the Addictions, Drug and Alcohol Institute at the University of Washington. The authors are solely responsible for the content of this article.