Pediatricians and the fight to prevent teen overdose deaths

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends offering buprenorphine, a medication that can help curb opioid cravings, to teens addicted to opioids. However, only 6% of pediatricians currently offer the drug, in part because some believe that they do not have the right training or staffing to provide this care.

Today, WBUR reporter Martha Bebinger brings The Common to a pediatrician's office in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, and discusses the role pediatricians can play in preventing drug overdose deaths among adolescents.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction and may be at risk of an overdose, you can call the Massachusetts Overdose Prevention Helpline at: 1-800-972-0590.