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ABOUT THE TRAINER:

Dr. Laura Grubb, MD, MPH, FAAP is a board-certified pediatrician and adolescent medicine

specialist with over 25 years of experience dedicated to advancing adolescent behavioral

health through clinical care, public health leadership, and national advocacy. Her expertise

centers on youth substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery, with a strong focus on

implementing trauma-informed, evidence-based practices. As a Subject Matter Expert for the

New England ATTC and consultant to the Opioid Response Network, she provides targeted

technical assistance, training, and policy consultation to integrate adolescent services,

including medication for addiction treatment (MAT), and to build workforce competency. Her

distinguished background in academic medicine, federal service, and program development

uniquely positions her to strengthen systems and improve outcomes in adolescent substance

use care.

DESCRIPTION:

This training equips clinicians and allied professionals with practical, evidence-based strategies to

prevent, identify, and address substance use among adolescents and young adults (AYA). Participants

review current epidemiology and morbidity trends, apply validated screening tools (including CRAFFT),

and use motivational interviewing and motivational enhancement techniques to engage youth at varying

stages of readiness. Emphasis is placed on developmentally appropriate, patient-centered

communication, early intervention, warm handoffs, and leveraging family, community, and national

resources to improve outcomes for AYA across prevention and treatment settings.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Describe substance use and addiction as pediatric conditions by summarizing epidemiologic trends, age of

initiation, and associated morbidity and mortality among adolescents and young adults.

Apply developmentally appropriate screening and risk-stratification tools (e.g., CRAFFT) to identify levels of

substance use risk and determine appropriate clinical responses.

Implement motivational interviewing–based strategies to engage adolescents and young adults in prevention,

early intervention, and treatment planning, including linkage to appropriate supports and resources.

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