Treating opioid use disorder in young people

Background: Almost 200 youth in BC have died from unregulated drugs in the past decade, with most deaths involving fentanyl. As well, increasing numbers of BC youth are being diagnosed with opioid use disorder. It is increasingly imperative that youth with this condition have timely access to effective treatments.
Methods: We used systematic review methods to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating treatments for opioid use disorder in young people. After applying our rigorous inclusion criteria, we accepted five RCTs with four studies comparing medications and one examining a psychosocial intervention.
Results: The medication studies found using a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone for longer periods during opioid withdrawal was associated with more opioid-negative tests. Higher doses of memantine were also effective in reducing opioid use and withdrawal. As well, a comprehensive six-month psychosocial treatment found positive benefits including decreased relapse rates.
Conclusions: While effective treatments to support young people experiencing opioid use disorders exist, many do not have quick and easy access to them. This vital care needs to be made more readily available to those in need.