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10
POPULATION CONSIDERATIONS
Adolescents and Young Adults
The treatment of adolescents and young adults with stimulant use
disorder is similar to treatment for adults. However, the clinician
may focus more on the following items:
• Where and why the patient typically uses drugs
• Risks the adolescent or young adult takes while using stimulants
• Mental health disorders
• Collateral information from important people in the patient's life
• Stage of development
• Family involvement
Family therapy may be recommended to help support both the
young person and their parents or caregivers and improve family
functioning.
Building Trust
Trust between the patient and the clinician is important.
Confidentiality can help maintain trust. States have different laws
on confidentiality and when information can or must be shared with
parents or others. States laws also differ on whether an adolescent
can consent to treatment. In some states, parent or guardian
consent is required for treating adolescent patients. The clinician
should clearly explain the laws that apply to the adolescent.
These same medications listed elsewhere in this document for the
treatment of adults with StUD are not FDA-approved and have
not been extensively studied in adolescents but may be considered
by the doctor on a case-by-case basis, balancing risks and benefits.
