Substance use affects all age groups across the lifespan. Children may live with a caregiver with a substance use disorder. Adolescence and young adulthood are vulnerable developmental periods for the onset of both substance use disorder and other mental health disorders. Pediatricians are uniquely positioned to intervene early or provide age-appropriate substance use services to families.

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Videos

Teen Overdose Prevention & Harm Reduction Strategies: Practical Steps for Pediatricians
Adolescence and young adulthood are vulnerable periods for the onset of substance use and other mental health disorders. These videos provide pediatric care teams with practical guidance on screening, prevention, treatment, and family support, highlighting how pediatricians can intervene early using compassionate, evidence‑informed approaches in clinical practice.
Screening Teens for Opioids
Opioid use in teens is increasing--often through unintentional exposure to fentanyl in counterfeit pills or other substances. Pediatricians can help reduce risk by screening for substance use during routine visits. This video from the American Academy of Pediatrics introduces the Ask, Counsel, Treat (ACT) approach. Learn how to use validated screening tools, talk with teens and families using non-stigmatizing language, and connect patients to harm reduction and treatment options. Pediatricians play a key role in preventing overdose and supporting recovery.


 

Substance Use and Prevention Toolkit

Resources to Address the Opioid Epidemic

Access a collection of resources from the AAP related to the prevention, intervention and treatment of opioid use disorder in adolescents and young adults.

Substance Use, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment

Resources for incorporating substance use screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) approaches into the practice setting.

Training to Treat Opioid Use Disorder

Access online and live options at no cost.

Nicotine and Tobacco Resources

Research, education, policy and advocacy initiatives related to nicotine and tobacco.

Mental Health Initiatives

Information and guidance to support healthy mental development of children, adolescents and families.

Opioid Use in Adolescents: Screening, Treatment, and Support

This resource offers clinically grounded guidance to build comfort and confidence in screening for opioid use and connecting patients with evidence-based treatment and resources.

AAP Recommendations


The AAP provides guidance for pediatricians, state and federal government and other stakeholders to reduce harm from substance use.

Policy statement: Mental Health Competencies for Pediatric Practice

Clinical report: Substance Use Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment

View additional policies related to substance use here.

Get Involved

These AAP groups are involved in addressing mental health.

Last Updated

04/01/2026

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics