Saving the Developing Brain: Implementing the Evidence-Based MOUD for Adolescents-View Presentation

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Video Summary

The webinar focused on the urgent need to implement evidence-based medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in adolescents. Dr. Vito emphasized that adolescent overdose deaths have risen sharply, driven largely by fentanyl-contaminated counterfeit pills, not by increased overall drug use. He highlighted a major treatment gap: few adolescents with opioid use disorder receive MOUD, despite strong guideline support.<br /><br />The presentation explained why adolescence is a high-risk developmental period and why buprenorphine is especially effective and safe for youth. It reviewed the three FDA-approved medications: buprenorphine, methadone, and extended-release naltrexone, noting that detox alone is not treatment and can increase overdose risk. Buprenorphine was presented as the most practical first-line option for many adolescents because of its outpatient accessibility and ceiling effect on respiratory depression.<br /><br />The webinar also addressed legal and clinical considerations, including consent laws, induction protocols, long-term maintenance, and the role of family engagement. Co-occurring psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety should be treated alongside OUD. The discussion concluded that clinicians should start MOUD early, reduce stigma, use harm reduction strategies, and keep adolescents engaged in care to save lives.

Keywords

adolescent opioid use disorder

MOUD

buprenorphine

fentanyl overdose

counterfeit pills

FDA-approved medications

harm reduction

family engagement

treatment gap