You can’t open the newspaper or the Internet without seeing stories about prescription medication abuse and addiction. It has, unfortunately, reached epidemic levels. In the middle of the problem, we find teens who are becoming addicted to their anxiety medications or picking up painkillers on the streets. Therefore, one of the only ways a parent can realistically help combat this problem is by increasing their awareness about the signs of prescription drug abuse.
Recognizing the Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse
As drug abuse turns into addiction, the drug user is going to then display certain characteristics and behaviors that indicate something is awry. Of course, the specific signs of drug abuse or addiction will depend heavily on the type of drug the user is abusing. However, there are some rather generic signs that are easy to identify. For example, when abusing painkillers the typical signs of abuse might include:
- The need to increase doses or frequency for the desired effects
- A general withdrawal from family and friends
- Ignoring of 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 things like tremors, convulsions, hallucinations, blood pressure issues, and breathing problems. This is the mess that encompasses addiction.
The Importance of Prescription Medication Addiction Treatment
For the individual who is dealing with the cycle of addiction to prescription drugs, there’s only one way out. 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 abuse become apparent.
The treatment programs for prescription medication addiction will usually include a detox process, therapy, and access to aftercare options. With something like fentanyl addiction treatment, for example, the patient might need a highly restrictive treatment program.
At Destinations for Teens, the key component of treatment is therapy where the patient and their counselors can determine the causes of the addiction. Using that information, they then offer treatment options that can deliver a lasting recovery.
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:
- Partial hospitalization with outpatient followups
- Outpatient and intensive outpatient care
- CBT and DBT treatment modalities
- Holistic treatment options like yoga therapy, music therapy, and equine therapy
- Dual Diagnosis treatment
Of course, if your teen is showing the signs of prescription drug abuse, 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. For more information about our services and facilities, please call us at 877-466-0620.
