Managing Pain in Children and Youth with Addiction and Substance Use Disorder

Overdose related deaths have continually increased in the United States over the past 2 decades. Substance abuse and mental health disorders are the NUMBER ONE contributor to adverse health effects among young people. Though it is so prevalent its impact on children is rarely mentioned. The added complexities of pain management in the setting of substance abuse and addiction, require a clear understanding of the issue, due diligence and coordination of care.

 

In this episode, we discuss substance abuse among youths, its prevention, treatment options, resources for clinicians, and management of pain in the setting of substance abuse and addiction, with two pediatric pain experts from UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital;

 

Dr. Amber Borucki MD, a Board Certified pediatric anesthesiologist and pain physician, and Dr. Veronika Mesheriakova MD, an adolescent medicine physician with specialization in pediatric substance use disorders and addiction. 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Takeaways in This Episode

 

How Dr. Amber Borucki and Dr. Veronica Mesheriakova got interested in addiction and pediatric pain management and how they created opportunities for specialization. The scope of the problem of substance use disorder amongst children, teens, and youth. Why substance abuse, as well as mental health disorders is the top contributor for health burdens amongst young people and what the TOP offender is (Hint: It’s normalized in our society!) The most vulnerable age group(s) when it comes to addiction Perception of alcohol and nicotine use. How alcohol use in households and social context impacts children and young people. Importance of basic pain management and addiction education for all healthcare professionals especially those who are prescribers. Validated screening tools that can be easily implement in a clinical practice The dual and challenging issues of substance use and chronic pain How to manage patients with substance use disorder or at risk patients, when they come for a major or minor procedure requiring analgesics? Common health conditions and substances used amongst youth that HCPs need to be aware of and regularly screening for. Common treatment options for substance use disorder. What you can do when someone presents with an opioid overdose or overdose from other substance. Resources for HCPs to assist with managing patients with addiction and substance abuse issues.

 

Links

Dr. Amber Borucki, MD Email Dr. Borucki Dr. Veronica Mesheriakova, MD  Email Dr. Mesheriakova  Youth Outpatient Substance Use Program Division of Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine California Bridge Project: The CCC Warmline: Substance Use Consultation for Providers Is Just a Phone Call Away Ensuring Opioid Safety for Children and Teens Opioid Stewardship: Responsible Pediatric Pain Care Proactive Pain Solutions Physicians Academy CRAFFT SOAP-R

 

About Our Guest:

Dr. Veronika Mesheriakova

Dr. Veronika Mesheriakova is board-certified in pediatrics, adolescent medicine, and is working toward board certification in addiction medicine. She cares for adolescent and young adult patients, and specializes in the treatment of substance use disorders and addiction in youth. She is the director of the UCSF Youth Outpatient Substance Use Program (YoSUP) and the UCSF Youth Addiction Management Training Program. She also specializes in eating disorders, sexual and reproductive health, menstrual disorders, depression, and anxiety in youth.

 

Dr. Amber Borucki

Dr. Amber Borucki is fellowship trained, board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist and pain physician whose focus is treating acute and chronic pain conditions in children and adolescents. She is the Director of UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Pediatric Anesthesia Pain Service. In her spare time, Dr. Borucki enjoys spending time with her 3 children, hiking and exploring the Northern California coast, and she is an avid equestrian.