TEEN ADDICTION TO NARCOTICS
OxyContin addiction is one of the fastest growing drug addictions affecting teenagers nationwide. It is a highly addictive medication and difficult to treat.
The Adelson Clinic is the only local clinic to treat teen dependency on opiates, heroin and painkillers (such as OxyContin and Lortab) with medication assisted treatment (MAT) and individual counseling. By using MAT, patients do not suffer the side effects of impaired cognitive function. Methadone and buprenorphine have no adverse affects on mental capacity, intelligence or employability. It is not sedating nor intoxicating when taken according to the doctor’s order.
The goal of the clinic is to help adolescents take back control of their lives and lead normal, productive lives.
How to Prevent Opioid Misuse
There are a number of concrete ways that parents, family members, and other concerned adults can help prevent opioid misuse among adolescents. The fact that the adolescent brain is still growing means that teens are vulnerable to addiction.
Caring adults can make sure that adolescents who are struggling with opioid use disorder get appropriate treatment and support. Few adolescents with an opioid use disorder receive treatment. For example, between 2001 and 2014 only one in four insured youth with an OUD received treatment.
To help prevent opioid use disorder, those who care about and for adolescents should:
- Treat pain cautiously. Adolescents often are initially exposed to opioids through prescriptions; dentist prescriptions. Healthcare providers should turn to other treatment options before prescribing opioids for acute and chronic pain.
- Talk with teens in your life about pain treatment and management. Regardless of drug use history, reach out to youth. Building strong relationships with adolescents is the first step to connecting with youth on drug prevention. .
How to Get Help
- Act when you suspect an adolescent or someone close to them is misusing opioids.
- Signs of opioid use disorder: drowsiness, constipation, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth, headaches, sweating, and mood changes, are just a few.
