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

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.