You can’t open the newspaper or the Internet without seeing stories about prescription medication dependence and addiction. It has, unfortunately, reached epidemic levels. In the middle of the problem, we find teens becoming addicted to their anxiety medications or picking up painkillers on the streets. Therefore, one of the only ways a parent can really help combat this problem is by increasing their awareness about the signs of prescription drug addiction.
Recognizing the Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction
As drug use turns into addiction, the drug user will likely display certain characteristics and behaviors that indicate something is awry. Of course, the specific signs of drug use or addiction will depend heavily on the type of drug the user is abusing. However, some rather generic signs are easy to identify. If you think your child may be addicted to painkillers, the best thing you can do is reach out for help. For example, when abusing painkillers, the typical signs of use might include:
- The need to increase doses or frequency for the desired effects
- A general withdrawal from family and friends
- Ignoring personal hygiene
- Constant obsession with getting pills or money for pills
- Doctor shopping to get multiple prescriptions
- Criminal behavior to secure drugs
- Drastic mood swings
As bad as these signs are, the withdrawal symptoms can also be just as dangerous. The list of codeine withdrawal symptoms includes tremors, convulsions, hallucinations, blood pressure issues, and breathing problems. This is the mess that encompasses addiction.
The Importance of Prescription Medication Addiction Treatment
There’s only one way out for the individual dealing with the cycle of addiction to prescription drugs. They need to get into an addiction treatment facility as soon as humanly possible. That means getting into treatment as soon as the signs of prescription drug dependency become apparent. The treatment programs for prescription medication addiction will usually include a detox process, therapy, and access to aftercare options. For example, with fentanyl addiction treatment, the patient might need a highly restrictive treatment program. At Destinations for Teens, the key component of treatment is a therapy that allows the patient and their counselors to determine the addiction’s causes. Using that information, they then offer treatment options that can deliver a lasting recovery and a world of possibilities.
Helping Your Teen With a Prescription Medication Addiction
Remember that your teen needs to feel completely comfortable sharing what is happening in their lives more than anything. Encourage your teens to make solid choices and keep an open door policy if confronted with a challenging situation. Teenagers are very sensitive and will shut down if they feel they are not being respected or heard. They will also refuse to share information with you if they think that they cannot trust you to be present and guide them. Therefore, please speak to your teen in a manner that will allow them to be willing to accept your guidance and also talk candidly.
Information About Destinations for Teens
In our Woodland Hills facility, we offer a wide range of treatment options for teens. Our list of services includes:
- Trauma treatment
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Internet addiction treatment
- Holistic treatment options like yoga therapy and music therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment
Of course, if your teen is showing the signs of prescription drug addiction, there should be a sense of urgency. Addiction treatment is the only way to get them back to living the right way. At Destinations for Teens, we also focus on teaching the kids the truth about addiction and how to make better choices that will have a positive impact for years to come. For more information about our services and facilities, please call us at 877-466-0620.
References Teens and the Misuse of Prescription Drugs: Evidence-Based Recommendations to Curb a Growing Societal Problem. The Journal of Primary Prevention volume 29, Article number: 503 (2008)