Opiates are derivatives from the opium poppy plant. Examples include morphine, codeine, and heroin. Each drug has a distinct addiction path and potential. So, what are the signs of opiate addiction that you can’t afford to ignore?
1. Marked Drowsiness That Follows Extreme Elation
When someone injects or smokes heroin, there’s a brief period of euphoria. It lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. After that, the anesthetic properties of the opiate kick in. The person taking it will slip in and out of consciousness. You might be having a conversation and your teen suddenly nods off. Within a couple of minutes, she’s awake again. This part of the experience lasts about five to six hours. As one of the signs of opiate addiction, it stands out from normal behavior.
2. A Sudden, Dire, and Continuous Need for Money
Teens always need money. But this need is different. An opiate habit is expensive. It’s not unusual for people with a heroin problem to need about $200 a day. Although not as expensive, the costs for the abuse of codeine still add up as well. You’ll notice that prized possessions go missing. You might also find out that your teen is stealing some of your jewelry or other property. Anything that someone can turn into money will find its way to a pawn shop or third party.
3. Shifts in Friendships
One of the signs of opiate addiction that’s easy to spot is a change in the peer group. Typically, drug abuse isolates the person. With opiates, the peer group suddenly tightens to include others with the habit. Sometimes it’s easier to see physical signs of opiate abuse in your teen’s friends.
What to Do When You Notice the Signs of Opiate Addiction in Your Teen
Drug addiction isn’t a phase that your teen grows out of. It’s not like unusual clothing or hairdo choice. It is a disease that requires medical intervention. If you’re like most parents, you can’t envision your child going to rehab. You don’t want the teen to be with a roomful of drug-abusing adults. And you’re right. Specialized opioid addiction treatment for teens is the best option. At a facility that caters to this age group, therapists customize treatments in keeping with the clientele’s needs. Examples of modalities include:
- Partial hospitalization, which allows your teen to live with you while undergoing full-time care at the center
- Dual diagnosis treatment for program participants with co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety
- Cognitive behavioral therapy that helps your teen to exchange dysfunctional behaviors with healthy ones
- Mindfulness training as a means for handling stressors and triggers
- Experiential treatment, which encourages group activities with peers in recovery
Reaching out for help doesn’t have to be complicated. If you see the signs of opiate addiction, connect with Destinations for Teens today. A caring therapist will walk you through the steps you need to take to get help. Call 877-466-0620 now.