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Why Is Vicodin Dangerous for Teens?

Vicodin is an opioid that doctors prescribe for pain treatment. However, Vicodin, like other opioids, is highly addictive, and its use is popular amongst teens. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 1.6 million people in the United States abuse opioids. When a teen engages in Vicodin misuse, they might resort to doctor shopping or stealing someone’s medication to get high, making Vicodin dangerous for teens. Vicodin addiction treatment is available to teens ready to end their substance use disorder.

Why Is Vicodin Dangerous for Teens?

When teens first begin using Vicodin, it is an easy way to escape from reality. Like other opioids, Vicodin makes a user relax and allows them to feel a sense of euphoria. In addition, teens are not getting a prescription from a doctor who can monitor their usage. Instead, they are relying on illegal means such as stealing someone else’s prescription, doctor shopping, or purchasing it on the street.

Be Aware of Vicodin Dangers

Misusing Vicodin comes with many consequences. Here are five of the most common Vicodin dangers for teens:

  • Teens can quickly develop a physical tolerance – Initially, when you begin using Vicodin, it works quickly to make you feel relaxed. However, as you continue, you will need to take more of the drug to keep experiencing a similar impact as your first dosage. Addiction to Vicodin can lead to many long-term consequences as it can negatively impact your mental and physical health.
  • Too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage – One of the dangers of Vicodin to teens is that prolonged use of acetaminophen, one of the main components of Vicodin, will ultimately lead to liver disease. This disease can lead to needing a liver transplant and, in some cases, even death. The side effects of misusing Vicodin while taking other prescription drugs can have adverse effects – Using MAO inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants with Vicodin is another example of the dangers of opioids. Taking Vicodin and other prescription drugs without supervision can lead to mental health and physical problems for users.
  • Vicodin can impact a person’s brain, especially the pleasure center – One of the greatest dangers of Vicodin for teens is that it harms the brain and the ability to feel pleasure. Long-term misuse of Vicodin will lead to depression, paranoia, psychosis, anxiety, and mood swings.
  • Increased depression and anxiety – People using Vicodin with a predisposition to depression or anxiety will often lead to these conditions becoming more apparent.

If you suspect your teen is using and possibly abusing Vicodin, get them help from a qualified Vicodin addiction treatment program immediately.

Understand the Dangers of Opioids with Destinations for Teens

Being a teenager is never easy. All teens are coming of age and learning about themselves. They are all grappling with fitting in and peer pressure. Sometimes the pressures of teen life become too much, and they begin to rely on drugs or alcohol, which can make them feel relaxed and less anxious. However, opioids such as Vicodin are dangerous for teens as they can lead to long-term addiction, potentially changing their lives. One of the greatest Vicodin dangers can lead to overdose, which could result in death. At Destinations for Teens, we offer the following evidence-based programs to help teens understand the dangers of opioids:

  • Dual diagnosis treatment
  • Medical detox
  • Residential treatment
  • Outpatient treatment
  • Individual and group therapy sessions
  • Creative therapy options

The teen in your life who is using Vicodin or another opioid needs your help. Contact Destinations for Teens at 877.466.0620 to get started on the road to sobriety.