Teen Opioid Addiction Treatment
Teen Opioid Addiction Treatment
Teen opioid addiction refers to the addiction to opioids or other medical prescriptions known for their sedative quality, similar to the natural drug, opium. Unfortunately, according to the facts and figures for 2016 of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), 20,101 overdose deaths in America related to prescription pain relievers in 2015. More recently, a CNN Health article entitled – FDA wants opioid painkiller pulled off market: Jen Christensen (June 8, 2017) citing authoritative sources, such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), claimed that “opioid overdose killed more than 33,000 people in 2015, more than any year on record.”
Symptoms & Effects of Teen Opioid Addiction
Most parents remain unaware that their teen might be suffering from this addiction as it begins with prescription drugs. Once he/she is off the prescribed drug, he/she may experience withdrawal symptoms which may cause a stronger craving. As a result of this, they might ask friends, sport coaches, or relatives to get them the same or similar painkillers. Worse still, is if during this time, they are introduced to the relatively cheaper option of heroin which is easy to obtain from illicit sources. Other dangerous alternatives are cocaine, alcohol and marijuana. Figures state that approximately 75% of heroin users were previously addicted to prescribed opioid painkillers before switching to heroin.
Thus, as a parent, be vigilant if you notice the following signs and symptoms:
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Turbulent mood swings
- Unexplained rashes
- Loss of feeling of pain
- Slow breathing
- Itching
- Nausea and vomiting
- Small pupils
- Slurred and incoherent speech
- Poor judgment
Opioids can be consumed in pill form. Even liquid forms are available in the market. When addicted, a teen may consume it orally or by injecting it. They may also crush the pills and snort the drug for direct effect
The addiction to opioids can have a number of effects. Short terms effects include: Nausea; stomach pain; loss of appetite; weakness; headaches; giddiness; and profuse sweating. When used over a long period of time, the following long term effects may be prevalent: Muscle & bone pain; spasms; restlessness; mood swings; cold flashes; depression; brain damage; tooth loss; and enhanced usage of the drug to feel effects.
Severe cases of opioid usage can result in the following short-term effects: Extreme drowsiness; seizures; difficulty breathing or swallowing; skin rashes; hives; swelling; chest pain; abnormal heart rate.
Over-dosage of opioids may result in unconsciousness; loss of breath; coma, or even death.
Both the physical and mental health of adolescents is at great risk as a result of opioid abuse. Some of the mental health disorders may include: anxiety; depression; bipolar disorder; PTSD; and schizophrenia.
The most common opioids include – Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Morphine, Methadone, Tylenol and Codeine.
Treatment for Teen Opioid Addiction
Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center (Hillcrest) is a tranquil, rehabilitation oasis expertly designed to treat adolescents struggling with teen opioid addiction. The magnificent residential facility is based in the tropical foothills of Agoura Hills, California. Rustic, yet elegant, it is uniquely situated and designed to provide and nurture healing on all levels, while focusing on the key principles of mind-body health.
Healing is accelerated when all states of being are nurtured. Hillcrest provides a healing environment that is multi-faceted, including, the ultimate balance of elegant accommodation, expansive green natural outdoors, nutritious meals, and wholesome healing programs, in order to ensure that recovery is deep-rooted and long-lasting. At Hillcrest you and your loved one are supported by our professional and dedicated staff every step of the way, both during and post treatment.
