Dr. Buresh addresses youth drug abuse in Seattle Times Op-ed
Dr. Chris Buresh is bringing youth drug abuse into the spotlight in a recent Seattle Times op-ed. As an emergency medicine physician and pediatrician, Buresh sees first-hand how it is affecting Washington's youth.
According to the op-ed, Washington state loses 38 kids a year to fentanyl overdoses, the "equivalent of a school bus full of young people." The article highlights buprenorphine as a solution, citing its ability to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal.
"It can also prevent overdoses, with research showing it reduces the risk of death by almost 50%," Buresh writes. "No other medication is as effective in curbing opioid mortality for any disease."
"These are our kids, and it’s our responsibility to protect them."
Previously, physicians had to complete additional training to administer buprenorphine, but the requirement was eliminated in 2022. Buresh thinks this could play a factor in providers not prescribing it. Buresh notes that Seattle Children’s Hospital is rare among children’s hospitals in the U.S. because it is willing to start buprenorphine in the emergency department.
"Starting buprenorphine at the right time — like when a patient is ready for change — can make all the difference. Medications that ease withdrawal symptoms can help facilitate the transition to buprenorphine, smoothing the process," writes Buresh.
