Youth Overdose Prevention Education for Drug Overdose
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a brief education program designed to help young people recognize and respond to drug overdoses. The goal is to raise awareness among youth and equip them with skills to handle overdose situations, potentially saving lives. Participants will either receive the new educational program, called Brief Youth Overdose Prevention Education, or continue with their usual healthcare routine. Young people who speak English and have a scheduled medical appointment at specific health centers may be eligible to join. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to important research that could enhance community health and safety.
What prior data suggests that this overdose prevention education is safe for youth?
Research shows that educational programs to prevent youth overdose are generally safe and well-received. Studies have found that these programs help young people understand drug use and the risks of overdose without causing harm. For instance, four studies demonstrated that participants learned more about opioid use and the dangers of overdose after attending these sessions.
Although this trial does not involve drug treatments, the educational approach is considered safe. Similar programs have reported no negative effects. Participants typically become more aware and better prepared to handle overdose situations, benefiting both personal safety and public health.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this youth overdose prevention education trial because it focuses on empowering healthcare providers with practical, hands-on training. Unlike traditional methods that may rely solely on pamphlets or lectures, this intervention involves two interactive sessions where providers learn and practice overdose prevention techniques. This approach aims to directly engage and equip providers with skills they can immediately apply, increasing the potential for impactful, real-world outcomes.
What evidence suggests that this brief youth overdose prevention education is effective for reducing overdose risk?
Research has shown that teaching young people about preventing overdoses can significantly increase their understanding of opioid overdoses and the use of naloxone, a medicine that can reverse overdoses. In this trial, participants in the intervention group will receive brief youth overdose prevention education. Studies indicate that this education helps young people better understand the dangers of drugs and become more aware of overdose risks. This training prepares them to recognize and respond to overdoses more effectively. While older programs like D.A.R.E. have not reduced drug use, newer youth-focused approaches have shown promise in lowering overdose risks. Overall, these programs aim to equip young people with the skills to assist themselves and others in overdose situations.12367
Who Is on the Research Team?
Amy Yule, MD
Principal Investigator
Boston Medical Center, Psychiatry
Sarah Bagley, MD
Principal Investigator
Boston Medical Center, Internal Medicine, Addiction Medicine
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for youth aged 12 to 24 who visit primary care clinics. There are no specific inclusion or exclusion criteria listed, so most young people in this age group seeing a participating provider may be eligible.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention Training
Providers complete two 30-minute trainings on overdose prevention education and practice conducting the intervention
Treatment
Youth participants receive either the brief overdose prevention intervention or usual care
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for knowledge and fidelity to the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Brief youth overdose prevention education
Trial Overview
The study compares two approaches: one group of youth receives brief education from their doctor about preventing drug overdoses, while the other group gets the usual standard of care. Providers and patients are randomly assigned to each approach.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Providers randomized to the intervention group will complete two 30-minute trainings in person or over Teams via videoconference. In the first training, providers will receive overdose prevention education and learn about the brief overdose prevention intervention. In the second training, providers will practice conducting the intervention and filling out the fidelity checklist that will be completed at the end of each appointment.
Providers randomized to the control group will conduct the youths' comprehensive physical exam (CPE) or follow-up clinical appointment as usual.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Boston Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborator
Citations
A Scoping Review of Youth Overdose Prevention Interventions
From 2019 to 2020, the largest increase in fatal overdose rates (94%) occurred among adolescents aged 15–24. Rising overdose rates translated to ...
2.
elearning.asam.org
elearning.asam.org/products/a-scoping-review-of-youth-overdose-prevention-interventionsA Scoping Review of Youth Overdose Prevention ...
The article reviews existing educational programs designed to improve overdose awareness, risk recognition, and response among youth.
Overdose Prevention Education for Youth
The data indicate that overdose prevention training improves participants' knowledge of opioid overdose and naloxone use.
Beyond Fearmongering: Youth Overdose Prevention That Works
Traditional drug education programs like D.A.R.E., despite widespread implementation, showed no significant impact on reducing drug use.
Evidence-Based Strategies to Prevent Youth Substance Use
Overdose prevention is a CDC priority that impacts families and communities. Drug overdose is a leading cause of preventable death in the U.S..
6.
nashp.org
nashp.org/state-strategies-for-preventing-substance-use-and-overdose-among-youth-and-adolescents/State Strategies for Preventing Substance Use and ...
Substance use in youth can lead to a variety of negative outcomes, including health issues, poor academic performance, and increased risk of addiction and ...
Overdose Prevention and Response Toolkit
The toolkit, designed to augment overdose prevention and reversal training, provides guidance on the role of opioid overdose reversal ...
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