Teens On Drugs – What To Look For

If you suspect your teen is experimenting with drugs, you may be wondering which substances they are using and how access was obtained. The symptoms associated with drug use are many; ranging from slowed reactions to hallucinations or mood swings. Determining the type of drug and its use level will help in determining how best to address the situation.

Most Common

The most common substances obtained by teenagers are typically marijuana, prescription drugs and alcohol. Additional drugs, such as inhalants may easily be purchased from the neighborhood drug store. Perhaps the most dangerous of the substances listed above are prescription painkillers – often found at home, in medicine cabinets. These drugs are commonly prescribed to patients to address anxiety and pain issues, while later falling into the hands of curious teens.

Abuse Signs

As stated above, the symptoms associated with drug use typically depend on the type of substance being used. Teens using marijuana will often exhibit slower reaction times, red eyes. Teens who abuse painkillers may experience changes in personality or slurred speech. Hallucinogens such as mushrooms or LSD cause users to experience hallucinations. Cocaine and crystal meth use will commonly result in an inhibited appetite, rapid speech patterns and random bouts of sleepiness. Opiate use is commonly associated with “nodding off”; or falling asleep mid-sentence.

Addiction vs. Experimentation

The occasional user must be dealt with differently that the full-blown addict. Some teens may only smoke pot or drink at house parties, or experiment a few times before realizing it’s just not their thing. Once use habits become more consistent, teens run the risk of becoming addicted.

Treatment Options

12 step recovery programs for addicted teens are readily available. If you suspect your teen of a drug or alcohol addiction, our team Above It All team of addiction counselors is ready and able to help. Give us a call today, and let us help your kid back on track towards the healthy, happy and productive lifestyle they deserve.

What Are The Effects of Prescription Drug Addiction?

Prescription drug abuse is the fasted growing drug related issue in the civilized world. Most any drug type can be abused, though the most problematic concerns tend to stem from those that are both highly psychoactive and addictive. Large portions of users find themselves addicted via prescriptions obtained through legitimate means, ultimately becoming reliant on the effects provided by the substance.

In the Beginning

These types of addictions generally stem from use of a legally prescribed substance. In these cases, the individual may start misusing the drug by obtaining it illegally, via doctor manipulation, or through crooked physicians.

Painkillers

Painkillers are perhaps the most commonly misused of the addictive substances prescribed. These drugs are typically provided to patients following surgery or injury, but are often utilized to address chronic pain issues. Common medications in this grouping include Vicodin, OxyContin, Codeine, Percoset and Demerol.

Treatment

Each patient’s Above it All treatment plan will differ according to the type of substance being used, possible mental issues, and the patient’s use history. Above it All prescription drug patients will be enrolled in a medically monitored detoxification program before transitioning to a comprehensive addiction treatment platform.

Psychiatric Drugs

Psychoactive substances are another commonly misused medication type. Abuse of antidepressants like Zoloft, anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax, and anti-hyperactivity drugs like Adderall and Ritalin can often lead to serious addictions. Users will often utilize these substances to experience a quick high, building up a tolerance over time.

Risks

The dangers of prescription drug addiction are quite similar to those associated with illegal street drugs. Individuals that were initially provided the drug legally to address an underlying condition will be forced to take on additional challenges when combating their addictions; mainly, to determine healthy and alternative means of treatment.

OxyContin Addiction – What Are The Signs?

OxyContin is a popular painkiller used to address an array of conditions, including lower back pain, arthritis, dislocations, and pain caused by cancer. The main ingredient found in OxyContin is oxycodone, a potent, and potentially dangerous opioid.

Oxycodone addiction in the U.S. stems back over 30 years, with more than 3.5 million citizens age 12 and over reporting regular use. With this statistic on a seemingly perpetual incline, the dependency risks only continue to grow.

Symptoms

If you or someone you know are currently using OxyContin, it serves your best interests to understand the symptoms and signs associated with a developing addiction. In assessing these signs, it should be noted that opiate addiction is not a picky mistress; meaning that anyone can become an addict.

Common Signs & Symptoms:

-Irritability

-Anxiety

-Abdominal Pain

-Insomnia

-Loss of Appetite

-Vomiting

-Muscle & Joint Pain

As a general rule, the longer an individual is addicted to OxyContin, the more apparent these signs are likely to become. In many cases, OxyContin addicts begin using the drug in an effort to counter legitimate pain. The addiction, unfortunately, can be a surprise side-effect.

Recognizing The Signs

Acknowledging an OxyContin addiction is the initial and most important step one can take on the road to recovery. Individuals who have become addiction through legitimate prescriptions will often find it more difficult to admit there is a problem. Once acceptance does take place, the addiction has often escalated to a point where the individual is unable kick the habit alone. In these situations, medical detox and therapy are commonly utilized to help the individual regain sobriety.