According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens, teen prescription drug abuse is the most common form of substance misuse after marijuana and alcohol. Prescription drugs are incredibly addictive and change the way that the brain works. An adolescent rehab program can help teenagers heal physically, mentally and emotionally.
What is Teen Prescription Drug Abuse?
Although opioids come to mind when you mention teen prescription drug abuse, they’re not the only medication that can be problematic. Many adolescents become addicted to depressants, stimulants or both after using them recreationally or with a legitimate prescription.
Some of the targets of teen prescription drug abuse include:
- Painkillers
- Valium
- Xanax
- Ritalin
- Adderall
What Leads to Teen Prescription Drug Abuse?
Teenagers abuse medications for a number of reasons. Males often take drugs for their euphoric or relaxing effects. Females are more likely to use prescription drugs to stay awake, study or lose weight.
Even if they’re not using prescription drugs to get high, adolescents are engaging in risky behavior if the medications weren’t prescribed to them by a doctor. An individual can misuse a prescription even when it’s legitimate.
Teens may increase their dosage of narcotics if they develop a tolerance, increasing the chances that they’ll become addicted. Some mix alcohol with medications, creating a potentially deadly combination.
Should Teens Go to Rehab?
It’s never too early to intervene when adolescents are experimenting with drugs. Help starts at home, with a supportive environment and open communication. But parents may not know the extent of teen prescription drug abuse. Children may not think that they have a problem if they’re only abusing medications periodically.
Teen drug rehab might be necessary even if adolescents don’t believe that they have a problem. If you’re not sure whether to seek help for prescription drug abuse, consider contacting a substance abuse therapist or calling a few rehab facilities. A professional can help you determine the best course of action.
Early intervention is critical and can save lives. Waiting until someone hits rock bottom makes treatment more demanding and can increase the risk of overdose and relapse. When addiction takes hold of the mind, body, and spirit, the road to recovery can be long.
What Kind of Addiction Treatment Centers Are Available for Teens?
Treating prescription drug addiction early can help teens develop healthy attitudes toward stress, peer pressure, and drug use. Adolescents can focus on building coping skills and creating strong relationships with themselves and others before they’re entrenched in the grip of addiction.
Rehab facilities that are geared toward teens and young adults can make the transition easier. Many offer evidence-based therapy as well as alternative approaches that combine social interaction with recreation.
Building life skills while taking part in nature therapy and learning how to meditate at an early age can set the stage for a strong recovery. When teens practice overcoming challenges in various ways, they will be prepared to handle cravings and deal with social pressure after rehab.
It’s never too late to get help for prescription drug abuse. A Boise rehab for adolescents can help teens break the cycle of addiction.
