Youth OUD treatment during and after COVID: Increasing family involvement across the services continuum

J Subst Abuse Treat. 2021 Jan:120:108159. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2020.108159. Epub 2020 Oct 7.

Abstract

Telehealth innovations in substance use treatment necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic present a generational opportunity to increase family involvement in medication for opioid use disorders (MOUD) among youth. This commentary describes a conceptual framework for engaging and retaining youth and families across four stages of MOUD services: Preparation, Initiation, Stabilization, Remission & Recovery. Case vignettes illustrate provider-delivered and direct-to-family tele-interventions for augmenting family involvement in each MOUD stage: Family Outreach, Family Engagement, Family Training, Family Recovery Maintenance.

Keywords: COVID-19; Family involvement; Medication assisted treatment; Telehealth; Youth opioid use disorder.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • COVID-19*
  • Family*
  • Humans
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Telemedicine / organization & administration