Description
With the recent increase in popularity of e-cigarettes, nicotine use remains prevalent in adolescents and young adults. While rates of use of illicit stimulants including cocaine, ecstasy/MDMA and methamphetamine have decreased in adolescents in recent years, misuse of prescription stimulants remains common in this age group. This modules reviews recent trends in nicotine and stimulant use in adolescents in young adults. It also presents a summary of the neurobiology of nicotine, discusses the different health effects and risks of harm of nicotine and stimulants (including illicit stimulants, prescription stimulants and caffeine) and offers an overview of evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies for youth.
Target Audience
Physicians, nurses, and healthcare teams who are treating patients with substance use disorder (SUD).
Presenter
Nicholas Chadi, MD, FRCPC, FAAP | Pediatrician Specialized in Adolescent Medicine; Pediatric Addiction Fellow; Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program; Division of Developmental Medicine; Boston Children's Hospital; and Harvard Medical School
Credit Designations Available
Interprofessional Continuing Education credit, AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, and Nursing Contact Hours.
Core Competencies as a result of participating in this activity
Interpersonal Skills and Communication
Medical Knowledge
Patient Care
Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity participants should be able to:
Discuss recent trends in nicotine and stimulant use among adolescents
Describe the health risks of nicotine and stimulant drugs
Apply evidence-based treatment for youth with tobacco/nicotine use and stimulant misuse
Method of participating in the learning process
In order to receive maximum credit, learners must:
1. Review the materials provided in this module.
2. Earn a minimum cumulative score of 80% on the post-test.
3. Complete an evaluation to assess satisfaction and plans for individual and/or team practice change.
4. Follow instructions at the end of the course regarding how to retrieve a certificate.*
*Credit will not be awarded unless all components of the program are completed. Partial credit will not be awarded.