An alarming rise in overdose deaths among children and teenagers is colliding with an inadequate pediatric mental health system — including a lack of addiction treatment. Limited treatment options and coverage gaps mean that many kids aren’t getting needed care that could help prevent them from developing a deeper and potentially deadly addiction. Median monthly overdose deaths among adolescents ages 10-19 increased by 109% between the second half of 2019 and the second half of 2021, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from last year. Deaths involving illicitly manufactured fentanyl increased by 182%.
Read the full article: Addiction Treatment for Kids and Teenagers Lags Far behind Demand //
Source: https://www.axios.com/2023/10/24/children-fentanyl-addiction-treatment