The Rise of Teen Substance Abuse and Addiction

As the pandemic continues to shine a light on the mental health crisis in America, the devastating effects of substance abuse and addiction are increasing. Teens across the country continue to use and abuse alcohol, marijuana and nicotine-based vaping, and the rate of deaths linked to fentanyl has hit an all-time high.

Listen to pediatric experts discuss teen substance abuse and addiction

In this episode of our mental health series, Christian Thurstone, MD, joins us for a discussion on what’s new in adolescent substance use, how it's affecting kids and what providers can do about it.

Dr. Thurstone is the Director of Behavioral Health Services at Denver Health and a professor of psychiatry at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

In this episode, our experts discuss:

• What makes teenagers vulnerable to addiction and substance use
• Trends in substance abuse and addiction
• The impact of highly potent marijuana
• The rise in fentanyl use
• Treatment options, including motivational interviewing, naloxone and buprenorphine
• Residential treatment programs
• Treatment for co-occuring psychiatric issues

Pediatric mental health at Children’s Hospital Colorado

At Children's Colorado, we're committed to helping all healthcare professionals improve the quality of life for children with mental and behavioral health conditions. Get the latest in pediatric mental health to better your practice, improve the lives of your patients and learn about developments within our mental health programs.