The opioid crisis is affecting more and more lives every year. Living sober can be challenging for a teen juggling the pressures of school, athletics, friends, and other facets of life. Opioid withdrawal can be exceedingly harsh, pushing many teenagers to relapse. Before seeking treatment, you should be aware of the opioid withdrawal symptoms.
If your teen is facing an addiction, you may be wondering what your friends and family will think, how the treatment will go for your child, or what type of program is suitable for them. The good news is that there are numerous programs for teen opioid treatment Los Angeles. With a few clicks on your computer or phone, you’ll be able to reach out to someone who can help your child beat their heroin cravings.
Reasons for Opioid Addiction in Teens
Prescription medications, such as opioid pain relievers and anti-anxiety medications, are readily accessible. They may be used for numbing discomfort and boosting one’s stamina. The number of fatalities related to opioid addiction has tripled in the last 15 years. According to some specialists, an increase in the number of prescriptions may be one of the factors why people had more convenient access to opioids. In 2016, health care practitioners in the United States wrote over a million prescriptions in a single year.
Drug overdoses resulted in the deaths of around 4,200 teens and young adults aged 15 to 24 in 2015. Opioid addiction was connected to more than 50% of these findings. The following are some of the most prevalent reasons why teenagers misuse pharmaceutical medications or use illicit opioids, such as heroin:
- They can get the medicine simply through a doctor’s prescription or through other family members who have been prescribed such painkillers.
- They want to get away from their family and friends’ issues, or even their own problems.
- Their peers use it, and they feel compelled to jump on board to maintain their sense of community within the group.
- They are fascinated by the effects that different drugs can have on their bodies and emotions.
- They are anxious and overwhelmed by the responsibilities at home and in school.
- They want the spotlight, and defiant behavior might help them get the attention they crave.
Beating the Teenage Opioid Addiction
Methadone and buprenorphine, for example, decrease the symptoms of withdrawal by addressing the same brain areas that opioids affect. However, they have the opposite impact of opioids and do not cause addiction. They restore balance in the brain’s activity, helping it enter a healing process. Long-term use is permitted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH); however, users should consult their healthcare providers before terminating these drugs to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Another medicine that your doctor could suggest is naltrexone. The drug does not aid in stopping opioid use, but it does aid in preventing relapse. Relapsing means returning to opiate usage. It also enables addicted people to avoid or lessen the sense of being “high.”
Most people begin the recovery journey with detoxification and medically supervised withdrawal handling, which is sometimes referred to as the first step of therapy. Detoxification, or the process of the body ridding itself of drugs, is used to treat the immediate and possibly hazardous physiological consequences of quitting narcotics. Note that detoxification alone does not resolve the psychological, social, or behavioral issues that precede addiction, so long-term behavioral adjustments are required for a full recovery. As a result, teen opioid detox should be supported by a thorough evaluation and recommendation to a drug addiction therapy program.
The use of medicines in conjunction with treatments and counseling is known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The US Food and Drug Administration has authorized the medications used in MAT programs. These programs are evidence-supported and individualized to each patient’s requirements. Additionally, MAT has been demonstrated to lower opioid usage, overdose fatalities, criminal behavior, and the spread of opioid-related contagious diseases.
Coping with the Effects on Teen’s Emotions
If your teen is diagnosed with a mental health problem, then binge drinking or abusing drugs might lead to the emergence of additional issues. Opioid and alcohol use, for example, have been related to depression, while marijuana and methamphetamine have been connected to psychosis.
Exercise causes substantial mood improvements, relieves stress, and increases the feelings of tranquility and well-being. It is also a worthwhile diversion, allowing them to get out of the negative thinking pattern that so often fuels depressive problems. Furthermore, the food they consume has a significant impact on their mood. Reducing calories, avoiding junk foods, improving their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, and boosting omega-3 fatty acid consumption can all help your child feel better and have more energy.
While your teen might have no control over their mental health difficulties, there is always something you can do to enhance their mood and lessen their discomfort. A face-to-face conversation with a friend or loved one is the most relaxing activity your child can participate in. Even if they are socially isolated, you may suggest seeking alternative ways to interact with family and closest peers on a daily basis to relieve tension and improve mood. Chat with them regularly to understand what they are going through. Regardless of their attitude towards you, do not ignore the issue or make them think they are being neglected. Getting treatment or having them join a support group can also be beneficial.
Can You Perform Detox at Home?
After taking opioids for more than a few days, tolerance and dependency start to rise. When quitting or reducing opioid use, there will be unpleasant physical and psychological consequences. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can start within five days after quitting and might last a few days to several weeks, depending on the type and duration of opioid use.
To avoid the chances of relapsing, it is better to do so under a doctor’s supervision. While fatal consequences are uncommon, medical detox can make recovery less painful. Many people are shocked by how severe opiate withdrawal symptoms may be. The severity of nausea, puking, and muscular pain is excruciating for most teens. As such, a number of medicines have been recognized and authorized for use in treating opiate withdrawal symptoms.
In certain circumstances, attempting to detox abruptly without medical care might be hazardous if something goes wrong. A professionally supervised teen opioid detox can help your teen go through the withdrawal phase safely, without having to worry about any health risks.
Teens have two primary options for opioid treatment: inpatient and outpatient programs. For teenagers struggling with opiate abuse, attending an inpatient treatment program for medical detox is the most advantageous and practical option. Inpatient detox is recommended for those with a long history of substance misuse and who require constant medical and behavioral supervision. It is the most costly solution and disrupts daily routines, but it has a high success rate in Los Angeles.
Outpatient treatment is an alternative but not always the most appropriate one. Misuse and addiction to opioids can lead to physical and mental dependency. Opioid withdrawal is considerably more challenging to manage without constant medical supervision, so it is highly recommended to seek professional assistance rather than doing it at home.