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The medical management of adolescent heroin dependence

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Abstract

The use of heroin by American adolescents is at its highest levels since the heroin epidemic of the 1960s. This clinical perspective reviews medical issues associated with adolescent heroin dependence. Older, as well as potential newer, treatments for adolescent heroin dependence are discussed. Multiple obstacles face a heroin-dependent adolescent who seeks treatment, including a lack of evidenced-based research on pharmacotheraputic agents for this population, strict restrictions on medications with demonstrated efficacy in adults, and a general lack of clinical experience in treating this population.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Treatment Research Center, 3900 Chestnut Street, 19104, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Amy B. Rowan MD

  2. Department of Psychiatry, VA Medical Center, University and Woodland Avenues, 19104, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Paul J. Fudala PhD

  3. Caron Foundation, Galen Hall Road, Box A, 19565-0501, Wernersville, PA, USA

    James Mulligan MD

Authors
  1. Amy B. Rowan MD
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  2. Paul J. Fudala PhD
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  3. James Mulligan MD
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Rowan, A.B., Fudala, P.J. & Mulligan, J. The medical management of adolescent heroin dependence. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2, 527–530 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-000-0013-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-000-0013-7

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