Today, teenagers experiment with opioids at an alarming rate. The United States has spent the last several decades in an opioid crisis. While some young adults might start taking prescription opioids for chronic pain, injury, or minor surgery, many also experiment with heroin and illicit fentanyl. Unfortunately, opioids are highly addictive and potent substances that easily lead to addiction, overdose, and opioid-related death. A drug abuse treatment program is the best way to stop opioid abuse and prevent relapse, especially among teens.
If your son or a teenage boy in your life needs drug abuse treatment for opioids, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today. Our holistic programs help adolescents struggling with addiction and mental health disorders in scenic North Carolina. Reach our staff now at 866.300.5275 to learn more about our holistic drug abuse treatment programs for opioid abuse.
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs made from the opium poppy. Opium provides a euphoric high and potent painkiller effect. Synthetic opioids are made in medical labs or home labs to create the same pain-blocking, euphoric feeling. When opioids enter the bloodstream, they immediately block pain receptors in the brain and release a rush of dopamine. This can cause joy, elation, and immediate pain relief. They also slow down the nervous system, leading to constipation, confusion, and slow heart rate. While some take opioids for physical pain, teens commonly abuse opioids for emotional pain, unresolved trauma, and undiagnosed mood disorders.
Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Use
If you think your teen is abusing opioids, look for the following symptoms:
- Mood swings
- Confusion
- Reckless behavior
- Self-isolation
- Changes in grades, social habits, and friend groups
- Erratic behavior
- Disturbed sleep
Opiates change a person’s brain. This can be detrimental for teenagers because their brains are still developing. These changes can make it incredibly difficult to stop taking opioids without medical and psychiatric intervention. It may be necessary to find an opioid detox program in order to stop using opioids successfully.
Most Commonly Abused Opioids
Whether a teen has access to a prescription at home or is buying illicit opioids, they are in danger of opioid addiction and overdose. The most commonly abused opioids include:
- Vicodin
- OxyContin
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- Demerol
Opioids vary in strength, making it hard to know how strong their effects are. Vicodin, OxyContin, and Demerol come in different strengths. Your teen may crush and snort these medications or take them with alcohol for a stronger effect. While many teens may try heroin, most regular heroin users are over the age of 30. Street fentanyl poses one of the greatest dangers to teens. Fentanyl is 50-100 times stronger than morphine, which can easily lead to overdose and death.
Drug Abuse Treatment for Teenage Boys in North Carolina
If your son is showing signs of opioid abuse, don’t wait. Get help today from the team at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery. We use dual diagnosis treatment to help uncover, treat, and manage co-occurring disorders alongside substance abuse, process addiction, and disordered eating. At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, teenagers build resilience, disconnect from social pressures, and heal from addiction and co-occurring disorders. For most teens, opioid abuse is a sign of underlying mental health disorders or unresolved trauma. Our programs for teenage boys focus on holistic and evidence-based therapies for transformational healing. Many teenagers have the opportunity to engage in equine-assisted therapy programs, as well as our family therapy program for holistic healing and connection.
Call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery Now to Learn More
Don’t let opioids control your son’s life. Call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 866.300.5275 to learn more about our holistic drug treatment programs and get started today.
