Launching Relationship-Oriented Behavioral Services for Youth Opioid Use Disorder: Innovations in Medication Decision-Making and Adherence Planning

Child Fam Behav Ther. 2023;45(3):199-225. doi: 10.1080/07317107.2023.2172704. Epub 2023 Jan 29.

Abstract

This article presents behavioral interventions designed to enhance uptake and retention on medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) among transition-age youth (16-25 years) enrolled in treatment services. The article describes three relationship-oriented interventions designed to address barriers to MOUD uptake, enhance MOUD adherence planning, and strengthen OUD recovery among youth: Relational Orientation; Medication Education and Decision-making Support, and Family Leadership and Ownership of Adherence to Treatment. These interventions are inter-connected can be delivered flexibly. The article concludes with three case examples that illustrate how these modular interventions can be tailored to meet the needs of diverse client profiles.

Keywords: Family-based interventions; medication; opioid use disorder; transition-age youth.