Systematic analysis of Interventions for Opioid Use Disorder Among Adolescents

Background
This is a systematic review that aim to evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions for treating Opioid Use Disorder OUD among adolescents. It identifies the widespread crisis of opioid misuse, highlighted by the significant numbers of adolescents affected and the severe consequences of this disorder, including high rates of overdose deaths.
Methods:
The review included studies targeting adolescents and young adults aged 13–26, addressing opioid misuse through pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. It focused on research published in English from 2014 to 2024, involving interventions aimed at reducing substance use or treating psychiatric conditions alongside OUD. The review considered studies that included Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications for OUD and behavioral interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
Results:
Findings demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating pharmacotherapy with CBT, with programs like the Youth Opioid Recovery Support (YORS) showing success in reducing relapse rates. Long-term pharmacological treatments, especially buprenorphine, in conjunction with behavioral interventions, showed improved retention in treatment and reduced substance use.
Conclusions:
The review underscores the necessity of early, age-specific interventions and the integration of substance use treatment within broader healthcare systems. It highlights significant gaps in long-term effectiveness studies and the adaptation of adult treatment protocols for adolescents. These findings advocate for evidence-based practices combining medication and psychotherapy, urging policymakers to support integrated care models and invest in age-specific programs. Future research should focus on the long-term effectiveness of these interventions, adaptation for adolescent populations, and assessing pharmacotherapy's effectiveness across different subgroups.