Asana Recovery

TEENS ARE AT RISK FOR OPIOID ADDICTION

NIDA’s Effort to Keep Teens from Developing Opioid Problems

Ultimately, painkiller addiction is not a matter that should be taken lightly. Although these drugs can provide incredible relief to victims of chronic pain or debilitating injuries, opioids are highly addictive and can ruin a person’s life just as easily as destroying it. However, what many people might not consider is that teenagers are at as much a risk for opioid addiction as their adult counterparts. Consider the fact that one out of five teen victims are suffering from opioid problems, and you will realize that a large portion of the U.S. populace is ramping up for a future of drug issues (if left untreated). Let’s take a closer look at why teens are at risk for opioid addiction.

The Proof Is in the Pudding

Based on a report conducted by members of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), teens who used opioids prescriptions by the time they reached 12th grade were 33% more likely to abuse or become addicted to these painkillers from ages 19 to 23. As expected, teens who were not previously exposed to opioids were put at a higher risk of developing opioid use disorder. So what entices them into using more of these drugs? Simply put, the instant relief plus the euphoric high equals a formula for addiction, particularly in minds that are still growing.

Condoning Drug Use

Of course, one of the major reasons opioid prescriptions can impact teens is the fact that the process of taking drugs might be, to an extent, condoning drug culture. Everyone takes a prescription medication at some point during their lives, but many teens are completely unprepared for the onslaught of chaos that opioids can bring. Likewise, opioids provide a blanket of security, which could possibly influence them to take more drugs down the road. Remember, if you take drugs as instructed by a doctor, you are lessening your risk for addiction or abuse.

Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid use disorder is easily one of the most terrifying substance use disorders on the planet, mostly because opioid addiction partially stems from a large number of drugs that are legally regulated by the federal government. For decades, our country has suffered beneath the weight of dangerous synthetics and legal painkillers, and millions of Americans have suffered from addiction throughout the 20 years the crisis has been brewing. However, you can make the right decision by taking a stand against your addiction and regaining your health and happiness.

If you are suffering from a severe case of drug addiction, or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of opioid withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.

If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.