Teens and Opioids One-Pager
Adolescence is a critical period of brain development, making young people particularly vulnerable to the effects of opioids. Understanding the risks of opioid misuse is an important step toward preventing addiction and protecting the health and well-being of teens.
Opioid use can cause changes in areas of the brain responsible for decision-making, self-control, and the reward system. While teen opioid misuse has declined over time, it remains an important public health concern.
Prescription opioid medications kept in the home can also be a source of opioids for adolescents, highlighting the importance of safe medication storage, education, and open conversations about substance use.
To help raise awareness, the Addiction Policy Forum developed the Teens and Opioids one-pager, a free educational resource highlighting the risks of opioid misuse and the importance of prevention among young people.
The Addiction Policy Forum's Opioid Prevention Campaign offers additional free educational materials, including infographics, fact sheets, and video explainers, to help families, educators, and communities better understand addiction and strengthen prevention efforts.
