Opioid Overdose Prevention in Practice

Pediatricians are uniquely positioned to prevent opioid misuse, overdose, and overdose deaths among adolescents and young adults. Through early screening, patient and family education, safe prescribing practices, naloxone distribution, and timely referral to treatment, clinicians can play a vital role in addressing the evolving overdose crisis and protecting youth from opioid-related harm.

On this page:

Overview

Pediatricians play a critical role in reducing opioid overdose and overdose deaths among adolescents and young adults. Changes in the drug supply, particularly the proliferation of fentanyl and polysubstance use, have disproportionately impacted youth. A multifaceted approach encompassing education, policy reform, strategic strategies, and healthcare integration is necessary to prevent overdose and overdose deaths among adolescents and young adults.

Screening and Early Identification

Incorporate routine screening for substance use, including prescription and nonmedical use of controlled medications, as part of regular check-ups using validated tools. Familiarize yourself with federal and state guidelines as well as professional guidelines for confidentiality in care of adolescents. Engage adolescents using non-judgmental communication styles to identify and screen for risk factors that may predispose adolescents to opioid misuse. Monitor for physical, emotional, or behavioral changes in adolescents that may suggest opioid misuse.

Ask: Access resources to screen for use, recognize symptoms and risk factors.

Education and Anticipatory Guidance for Patients and Families

Adolescents consider pediatricians to be a trusted authoritative source of information about drugs and are receptive to having this conversation if they believe it will remain confidential. Pediatricians are in a prime position to educate adolescents and their families about the dangers of opioids, the risk of addiction, and safe use of any prescribed medications.

Counsel: Access resources to counsel adolescents and young adults on substance use based on risks (not using, moderate use, high risk).

  • Tip Sheet to promote safe storage and disposal of opioids and all medications; to accompany counseling for patients and parents about the importance of securely storing and properly disposing of prescription opioids.
  • Partner with schools to educate students about drugs and overdose prevention.
  • Build your peer-to-peer relationships with oral surgeons, orthopaedic doctors, and other physicians who often prescribe narcotics in your community; build a shared understanding of opioid prescribing for pain management and how you can coordinate and co-manage care.
  • Consider peer-to-peer support such as Partnership to End Addiction, songforcharlie.org. SMART Recovery, or Young People in Recovery to empower adolescents and their friends.
  • Encourage non-opioid treatments for managing pain, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, physical therapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for chronic pain.

Routinely discuss naloxone and other strategies as part of an open and non-judgmental discussion around substance use with all patients and families. Prescribe and/or dispense naloxone (a life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug) to at-risk adolescents and young adults, particularly those with opioid use disorder (OUD) or those prescribed opioids. Educate patients and families on how to recognize opioid overdose and administer naloxone effectively, and when and how to seek emergency medical help.

Treatment and Referral

Follow safe opioid prescribing clinical practice guidelines, using a multimodal approach that includes the appropriate use of nonpharmacologic therapies, nonopioid medications, and, when needed, opioid medications.

Initiate treatment for adolescents with opioid use disorder or refer for treatment. Medication for opioid use disorder is safe and effective in adolescents, and is recommended for treatment of opioid use disorder. Coordinate care with behavioral health services, community-based organizations, and peer support groups for ongoing mental health and social support.  

Treat Access resources to connect patients to support, prescribe overdose prevention, and refer for treatment.

On-Demand MOUD Training Resources

Access recorded training sessions developed by ORAU through the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP) Opioid Response Network (ORN) to support evidence based care for patients with opioid use disorder.

Understanding and Treating Opioid Use Disorders in Adolescents: A Pediatric and Interdisciplinary Perspective
Advancing Treatment: Integrating Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) into Pediatric Care
Coordinating Care for Adolescents: Integrating MOUD and Mental Health Treatment in Pediatric Practice

Disclosure: CME credit was offered exclusively to participants who attended the live training sessions. These on-demand recordings are provided for educational purposes only and are not eligible for CME credit.

Acknowledgements: Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI088037 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.


This project was funded by the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE). The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies or stance, either expressed or implied, of FORE. FORE is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for Foundation purposes notwithstanding any copyright notation herein.

Last Updated

08/27/2026

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics