NIDA Introduces Online Resources for Treating Youth With Substance Use Disorder

Yesterday, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) introduced resources to help health care professionals treat teenagers with substance use disorder and identify those who may be at risk for such illness. The resources were inspired by the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health findings which showed that only 10 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 needing medical intervention for substance use disorder received any services for their addiction.

“Because critical brain circuits are still developing during the teen years, this age group is particularly susceptible to drug abuse and addiction,” said NIDA Director Nora Volkow, M.D. “These new resources are based on recent research that has greatly advanced our understanding of the unique treatment needs of the adolescent.”

The resources include a new online publication, Principles of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Research Based Guide, which includes 13 principles to consider in treating youth with substance use disorder, as well as evidence-based approaches in treating adolescent drug abuse. NIDA also released an online video curriculum for medical students and resident physicians, "The Substance Use Disorder in Adolescents Screening and Engagement in Primary Care Setting," which demonstrates skills to use in screening adolescents who are at risk for substance use disorder. NIDA stated that although the tools are created for training purposes, the resources are open to anyone in the public seeking information on how to interact with teenagers at risk for addiction.

To view NIDA’s new resources on treating teenage substance abuse see Principles of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Research Based Guide and "Substance Use Disorders in Adolescents: Screening and Engagement in Primary Care Settings." Also see the book, Clinical Manual of Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment, published by American Psychiatric Press.