What is a key medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) in adolescents?

Suboxone, which is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, is an effective medication for treating opioid use disorder (OUD) in adolescents. Buprenorphine works as a partial agonist at the mu-opioid receptor, providing relief from withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the full effects of full agonists like heroin or prescription opioids. Naloxone is included to deter misuse—if the medication is misused by injection, naloxone can precipitate withdrawal, thereby discouraging such behavior.

This combination allows adolescents struggling with OUD to stabilize their lives, engage with therapeutic interventions, and ultimately work towards recovery. The ability to administer this medication in an outpatient setting makes it particularly suitable for this age group, as it helps to minimize disruptions in their daily lives, whether it be at school or home.

Other medications mentioned have different mechanisms or are not typically first-line treatments for opioid use disorder in adolescents. While methadone is an effective treatment for OUD, it is more commonly used in specialized treatment programs and has a higher potential for misuse. Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, is effective in preventing relapse but requires a period of opioid abstinence before initiation, which can be challenging for those newly