Change in weight status from childhood to young adulthood and risk of adult coronary heart disease
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Updates every hour. Last Updated: 24-Dec-2025 19:11 ET (25-Dec-2025 00:11 GMT/UTC)
According to national estimates, nearly 2.2 million U.S. adolescents aged 12–17 met the criteria for at least one substance use disorder (SUD) in 2023. Drug and alcohol- related concerns are the second leading cause of death and disability within this age group and the third leading cause of death for children nationally. For opioid, alcohol and nicotine use disorders, national experts recommend a comprehensive treatment approach that includes both medication-based and behavioral interventions. For opioid use disorder, medication is the recommended first-line treatment. Nonetheless, access to medication among adolescents with SUD remains extremely limited.
In a new review in the Journal of Addiction Medicine, researchers from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine found that very little research has been done to investigate and inform the use of medications for SUD in people under the age of 18, particularly those identifying as racial, gender and sexual minorities. These findings underscore the urgent need for additional research into medication treatments for diverse youth with SUD and for additional policy and funding initiatives to support its realization.