In 2019, approximately 87,000 adolescents (12-17 years) and 515,000 young adults (18-25 years) were estimated to have an opioid use disorder in the past year, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Effective treatments—both medications and substance use disorder counseling—are available but underused. Pediatricians can play an important role in providing access to needed treatment by providing medication in general medical settings.

The AAP has partnered with the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry to provide several training options for pediatricians interested in learning more about these medications.

Managing Acute and Chronic Pain and Substance Use Disorders in Pediatrics Update

Developed for general pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists, other pediatric clinicians, and allied health professionals, this evidence-based course includes clinical content and Q&A sessions from the 2023 AAP course, Treatment and Prevention of Acute and Chronic Pain in Children.

Register

Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI081968 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 US Government.

The Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act

Access FAQs about the MATE Act and a list of educational opportunities.

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AAP Addiction Treatment in Pediatric Settings ECHO  

Browse a collection of video recordings to address opioid use for pediatric health professionals.

*Please note: This curriculum was developed in reference to the buprenorphine waiver. As noted above, as of December 29, 2022, the federal requirement for practitioners to submit a Notice of Intent (have a waiver) to prescribe medications, like buprenorphine, for the treatment of opioid use disorder is no longer required. These recordings DO NOT qualify for CME or MOC credit at this time.

In 2022, the AAP hosted an Addiction Treatment in Pediatric Settings ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) to increase knowledge and capacity regarding treating substance use disorders in the medical home setting, with a focus on opioid use disorder for pediatric health care professionals. 

This curriculum was developed using the ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) modelTM. More information about Project ECHO may be found at www.aap.org/projectecho

Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI085588 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.

Additional Resources

Last Updated

02/11/2025

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics