Addictions Program

At Children’s National Hospital, we provide treatment services for children and youth at risk for substance use disorders and other types of addiction when they need it most. We recognize that children are particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of addiction due to their stage of brain and body development. Despite this vulnerability, prevention efforts and treatment approaches for addiction can be successful.

Substance use disorders and other types of addiction are chronic medical diseases in which children and youth engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences. Addiction involves complex interactions among:

• Brain circuits
• Genetics
• The environment
• An individual’s life experiences

Early engagement in treatment can prevent and reduce harm associated with addiction.

Helping Your Family through Comprehensive Addiction Treatment

At Children’s National, the Addictions Program works within Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences to take a patient-centered, empathetic and strength-based approach to treatment. We recognize that addiction often begins at childhood but requires ongoing care of varying intensity well into adulthood. 

With your family’s consent, we work collaboratively with your child’s other healthcare providers, such as their pediatrician and therapist, to provide comprehensive care. We provide Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) apart from treating any co-occurring psychiatric condition.

When necessary, we can connect your child, teen or young adult to higher levels of care, including intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization and, in some cases, residential programs.

View our resources for families.

Contact Us

To learn more about the Addictions Program at Children's National, or to schedule an appointment, please call 202-729-3300 and ask to speak to the intake coordinator.