SY03-1-1 * ISAM FELLOWSHIP THE OPIOID PANDEMIC IN CHILDREN: EQUIPPING OURSELVES FOR SUCCESS

Abstract

Opioid overdoses kill more young adults in the world than overdoses of any other drug. With the proliferation of prescription opioids (oxycontin, hydromorphone, etc), there has been a tremendous increase in opioid use disorders among all humans, specifically children and young adults. While statistics regarding youth opioid disorders are alarming, there has not been a concurrent increase in formalized medical education for pediatricians, family physicians or addiction medicine physicians regarding children and adolescents. Because drug abusers are often highly stigmatized in society, their healthcare utilization tends to be fragmented and sporadic. Pediatricians, family physicians, and addiction medicine physicians need to equip themselves with a cohesive skill-set to provide optimal care to such a high-risk patient population. This oral presentation will begin with a brief lecture-based review of the opioid epidemic among world children. We will then discuss the various screening and diagnostic tools available to clinicians and provide a referenced bibliography for further reading. Next, we will define evidence-based medical and non-medical treatment strategies employed in the treatment of youth opioid use disorders. The workshop will then transition to small group learning exercises where participants will practice learned objectives through case-based clinical vignettes. After the small group sessions, each group will present their particular conclusions to the group-at-large, and the workshop leader will highlight the learning objectives. The workshop will conclude with a question and answer session.