Table 1 Selected conclusions and recommendations

Opioid-specific issues

Price and its relation to opioid use: Many individuals transition from prescription opioids to heroin due to the costs.

Address the rise in the number of individuals who use prescription opioids before they move on to heroin (see related recommendations below).

Recent changes

More young people are using opioids and seeking treatment.

Increase prevention and awareness efforts targeted at opioid use in young people.

Nonmedical prescription opioid use has increased.

Providers prescribing prescription opioids should be required to refer to the Board of Pharmacy lists to ensure clients are not “doctor shopping”.

Treatment gaps

Treatment for young people: There are no substance use detoxification facilities for people under 18 years of age.

Develop additional treatment facilities for youth, including detoxification, residential, and outpatient treatment programs.

Easily available buprenorphine providers: Providers face barriers to prescribing buprenorphine, and it can be difficult for clients to access and afford.

Increase the number of providers who can prescribe buprenorphine and make available an online list of current prescribers.

Provide incentives for physicians to begin and continue to prescribe buprenorphine.

City-wide concerns

Interagency communication and referrals: Many treatment providers and parents are unsure where to refer clients and youth with opioid use disorders.

Create a resource guide of information about available opioid treatment resources, keep it current, and make it accessible for parents, treatment seekers, and treatment providers.

Lack of education: Many treatment providers and community members have a limited understanding of opioid use disorders.

Provide educational materials and presentations for providers and parents on effective treatments and overdose prevention strategies (e.g., Narcan).