You’ve probably heard of the opioid crisis by now, and it’s just as dire as it sounds. Teens are getting swept into this epidemic, with many dying from overdoses. If you’re worried about your teen but unsure of whether they’re using opioids, mental health experts like the team at Clearfork Academy say there are certain signs that can give it away. But remember, if you do discover that your teen has been misusing opioids—a specialized residential rehab program can help get them back on track and make sure they don’t relapse.
Teens & The Opioid Crisis
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between July 2019 and December 2021, 2,231 adolescents aged 10 to 19 overdosed on illicit drugs, with approximately 90% of these deaths involving opioids.
While recent trends indicate that teen drug and alcohol use has slightly declined, substance abuse among adolescents remains higher than pre-pandemic levels and is accompanied by a high rate of primary mental health diagnoses, especially anxiety and depression.
Signs of Opioid Abuse
Teens misusing opioids may become secretive or suddenly change friend groups, and their academic performance may decline suddenly. Watch out for irritability, aggressiveness, or mood swings in general.
Other than behavioral changes, opioids can also cause pinpoint pupils, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting. If you know your teen isn’t sick, you have a strong case to suspect they’re using opioids.
How Addictions Begin
Experts say that teenagers often become addicted to opioids through painkillers prescribed to manage sports injuries, but many also try illicit drugs due to peer pressure or social media influence.
The most common opioids involved in substance abuse are codeine, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, heroin, and fentanyl, which are highly addictive; teenagers are particularly susceptible to becoming dependent on these drugs due to their developing brains.
However, addiction can be difficult to manage without professional interventions due to possible co-occurring mental illnesses and dangerous withdrawal symptoms, often necessitating drug rehab programs for safe recovery.
Rehab Programs for Teens
If you’re looking for treatments for your teen, go for residential treatment programs developed specifically for youth patients. Adolescents have different needs from adults and require specialized care to help them recover properly from addiction.
Specific treatments will differ, as most rehab centers offer individualized programs, but patients will always begin with a medically supervised detox to ensure opioids are safely removed from their body. After the detox, licensed mental health professionals work with the patient, providing evidence-based therapies and trauma-informed care that can address both the addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders to improve the chances of long-term abstinence.
In addition to clinical therapies, many treatment centers offer the opportunity to participate in creative arts therapies, integrated wellness activities, and outdoor activities. Some will even provide graduates with access to aftercare programs, which focus on relapse prevention beyond treatment. If you suspect your teen needs treatment for addiction – don’t wait, reach out for professional support now.
Clearfork Academy
info@clearforkacademy.com
+1-888-430-5149
7820 Hanger Cutoff Road
Fort Worth
TX
76135
United States
