Thomas Maldonado
WGU
D573 Task 2
WGU D573 task 2 Opioid Use Disorder in
Adolescents Prevention and Treatment
Strategy
Opioid Use Disorder in Adolescents: Prevention and
Treatment Strategy
A. Substance Use Disorder: Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a chronic, relapsing
condition marked by compulsive opioid use despite
harmful consequences. Opioids, including prescription
medications and illicit substances like heroin or
fentanyl, disrupt brain chemistry and require medical,
behavioral, and social interventions. According to the
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 2024,
OUD is associated with withdrawal symptoms,
cravings, and co-occurring mental health disorders,
particularly among youth.
B. Target Population: Adolescents
1. Special Considerations
• Neurodevelopmental Vulnerability: Adolescents’
brains are still developing, particularly in areas
related to impulse control and judgment,
increasing susceptibility to risky behaviors such
, Thomas Maldonado
WGU
D573 Task 2
as substance use (Beck Institute, 2021).
• Peer Influence: Social pressure can strongly
influence adolescent behavior. Teens may be
more likely to try opioids if they are normalized
or glamorized by peers.
• Access to Developmentally Appropriate Services:
Many treatment programs cater to adults and fail
to address adolescents’ emotional, cognitive, and
social development needs (U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services [HHS], n.d.).
2. Risk Factors
• Prescription Opioid Exposure: Youth who are
prescribed opioids for acute injuries or medical
procedures are at increased risk of long-term
misuse (JAMA Network, 2021).
• Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions:
Depression, anxiety, and trauma increase
vulnerability to OUD and often precede or result
from substance misuse (NIMH, 2024).
WGU
D573 Task 2
WGU D573 task 2 Opioid Use Disorder in
Adolescents Prevention and Treatment
Strategy
Opioid Use Disorder in Adolescents: Prevention and
Treatment Strategy
A. Substance Use Disorder: Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a chronic, relapsing
condition marked by compulsive opioid use despite
harmful consequences. Opioids, including prescription
medications and illicit substances like heroin or
fentanyl, disrupt brain chemistry and require medical,
behavioral, and social interventions. According to the
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 2024,
OUD is associated with withdrawal symptoms,
cravings, and co-occurring mental health disorders,
particularly among youth.
B. Target Population: Adolescents
1. Special Considerations
• Neurodevelopmental Vulnerability: Adolescents’
brains are still developing, particularly in areas
related to impulse control and judgment,
increasing susceptibility to risky behaviors such
, Thomas Maldonado
WGU
D573 Task 2
as substance use (Beck Institute, 2021).
• Peer Influence: Social pressure can strongly
influence adolescent behavior. Teens may be
more likely to try opioids if they are normalized
or glamorized by peers.
• Access to Developmentally Appropriate Services:
Many treatment programs cater to adults and fail
to address adolescents’ emotional, cognitive, and
social development needs (U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services [HHS], n.d.).
2. Risk Factors
• Prescription Opioid Exposure: Youth who are
prescribed opioids for acute injuries or medical
procedures are at increased risk of long-term
misuse (JAMA Network, 2021).
• Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions:
Depression, anxiety, and trauma increase
vulnerability to OUD and often precede or result
from substance misuse (NIMH, 2024).
