Prescription for Opioids Often Precedes Teen Addiction

With recent studies suggesting a strong link between teen opioid abuse and a history of prior opioid prescriptions, many believe the only way to end the cycle of teen opioid addiction is to prevent them from getting their hands on it in the first place; suggesting the reduction or potential elimination of legally prescribed opiates by doctors to teens.

Results from a medical record review presented at the American Society of Addiction Medicine's 42nd annual medical-scientific conference revealed that the majority (67%) of 125 teenagers seeking treatment for opiod addiction had a history of at least one prescription for opiate within 2 years of their addiction.

Studies revealed that the common drugs abused included hydrocodone, codeine and tramadol. It was also noted that on average females receive more than twice as many prescriptions as males do; with their mean totaling 6.6, compared to that of males which is totals 3.0.

Dr. Junig, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the Medical College of Wisconsin, who also runs a private clinic in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, recently stated that the use of opioids at young age reinforces "addictive thinking — an inappropriate focus inward and the desire to change one's mood using medications". He also says that opioids should be prescribed only for those who have failed back surgeries or those who have phantom limb pain, for example — people who have failed conservative measures. As teens rarely fall into this category, Junig believes that they are not appropriate candidates for opiods. When prescribing opiods to adolescents one disregards the huge problems that will appear down the line- including tolerance, psychological dependency and withdrawal.

Inspirations for Youth and Families co-founder Karen Walsh says: "Forty percent of the teens admitted to our facility for prescription drug addiction treatment had been prescribed opiods in the past. The remaining sixty percent are teens who started their addiction by experimentation." Last year alone the majority of teens treated for drug addiction at their residential facility reported starting they drug abuse with prescription drugs, and about fifty percent of all admissions at Inspirations Teen Drug Rehab were related to prescription drug dependency.

To learn more about the recent trends on teen drug abuse or if you are looking for a specialized teen residential addiction treatment visit: Inspirations for Youth and Families, aka, Inspirations Teen Rehab.

Addiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237

http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com

Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237
http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com

What Motivates Teens to Engage in Prescription Drug Abuse?

A nothing-can-hurt-me attitude, the desire of experience life, experiment with new things along with, many times, peer influence and bad judgment can lead a teen to become addicted to prescription drugs.Ultimately, their desire for getting high outweighs their perception of the risks.

Every day, 2,500 teenagers use a prescription drug to get high for the first time. They're accessing these drugs in the comfort of home where they can easily reach to a cupboard, drawer, or medicine cabinet.

Statistics Show:
• 12 to 17 year olds abuse prescription drugs more than they abuse ecstasy, crack/cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine combined
• 60% of teens who have abused prescription painkillers did so before age 15
• There are as many new abusers age 12 to 17 of prescription drugs as there are of marijuana

Teenagers turn to prescription drugs because they perceive them as less dangerous than illegal drugs because this is after all, a drug that has been prescribed by a doctor. Because of this, teenage prescription drug abuse is on the rise. The good news is, as a parent, you can influence your teen's decision not to use any type of drugs. The majority of teens still report that their parents—not their peers or the media—have the biggest influence on their decision to stay drug-free. Use this influence to talk to your teen about the danger of misusing prescription drugs.

If you suspect your child is abusing prescription drugs, seek professional help and remember these three C's: that 'you didn't Cause, can't Control and can't Cure' your child's problems. But you can and must take charge if you find out your child is abusing prescription drugs. The earlier you act upon your child’s addiction problems the better will be the outcome for your child.

Reach out to us. For more information on our treatment programs contact us:

Teen Treatment Programs: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com
http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com

Young Adults and Adults Treatment Programs: 1-888-387-6237
http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com

Teen Drug Abuse on the Rise

New research sheds new light on the increasing rate of teen drug abuse. As our youths and teens increasingly participate in the rise of teen drug abuse, so do the overdoses and the deaths of these teens. The study reported that the rate of overdoses today is ten times higher than the rate in the late 1960s.

This rate increase is not just from the baby boomers and hippies as some would be led to believe, but the rate is higher amongst all age groups, including teens and youths. The rate is especially high for white Americans, with this trend on the rise and no signs of the rate of teen drug abuse leveling off any time soon.

This increase or rise of drug abuse among all age groups including the teens are said to be accredited to the trend of abusing prescription drugs. Before in the 1960s, the rate of deaths due to drug abuse was 1 in every 100,000 people. In 2007, 15 white women out of every 100,000 died from drug abuse. For black women the rate was 17 out of every 100,000. The rates for black and white men were even larger jumps.

The abuse of prescription drugs is evident in playing a major role in the rise of these deaths. Abusing prescription medications include painkillers and Vicodin, which are the most commonly abused prescription drugs. With almost half of Americans taking prescription drugs, the opportunities for these drugs to be abused is increased, which leads to the increase of addiction, all scenarios that come with serious, if not deadly, consequences.

Do not wait! Death from prescription drugs are becoming very common. After the death of a 17 year old teenager who ingested a pain killer pill at a party, many people started to pay attention. Teens are not just abusing prescription pain killers but also, anti-anxiety medication, and over the counter cough medications.

If your teenager or someone you know is abusing prescription drugs or struggling with any other addiction or any other destructive behaviors, please call Inspirations Teen Rehab. The one of a kind program which is very successful and well known; featured on the Dr. Phill Show.

Reach out to us. Recovery from addiction is just a click or a phone call away.

Teen Addiction Help: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com/Teen-Prescription-Drug-Addiction-Treatment.asp

Addiction Treatment for Young Adults and Adults : 1-888-387-6237 http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com

OxyContin Most Abused Prescription Drug

Over nine years ago some ordinary people and some law enforcement individuals saw the dangers of OxyContin abuse first hand. They suspected this drug abuse to be different than any other drug addiction and abuse they had seen before. Never the less they refused to call it an epidemic and even under-estimated the devastating effect of the new phenomenon.

To get a glimpse of their belief here is the excerpt of an article about OxyContin being most common abused drug on the streets of Western Pennsylvania

“Authorities expect to be fighting OxyContin abuse for at least another six to 12 months. But as the buzz begins about the next hot street drug, it's liable to just fade away.”

"OxyContin is just fashionable right now. It's sort of a fad drug. Predictions are that in a year or two the fad will pass and we'll have to worry about something else," said Leon Rodriguez, first assistant U.S. attorney in Pittsburgh.

As we all know that didn’t happen and today, nine years later, OxyContin is still a formidable drug addiction that destroys lives, families and properties.

Some were wondering whether enough emphasis and resources is being poured in that fight against drug abuse.

By Jonathan D. Silver, the writer of the article wrote: “Although Pennsylvania has joined Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia on the short list of states with widespread OxyContin problems, no one is calling it an epidemic.”

He again writes in that article “with startling speed and sometimes deadly consequences, the prescription painkiller OxyContin has shifted from sensation to scourge in Western Pennsylvania.”

"It just took off overnight," said Rod Miller, the chief detective in the Cambria County district attorney's office and a task force supervisor.

The users of OxyContin were reported to range from teens to 70 year old addicts. They were from Mt. Lebanon, Upper St. Clair, from the private schools to low income neighborhoods.

In Johnstown, there were reports of pharmacy break-ins and strong-arm robberies where only OxyContin is taken. Addiction to OxyContin was described by those abusing it to be powerful and overwhelming.

One 20 year old addict that was interviewed for that article described his addiction this way "On a regular day, a good day, I'd do up to about 250 milligrams a day, 300 easy," he said. "Ten, 15 minutes after I'd wake up, I'd need something in me to get me down the stairs to talk to my wife and kid."

The ground zero for abuse in the article printed 9 years ago was described to be Cambria County, which had seen at least eight OxyContin-related deaths since 1999, running just ahead of Blair County's seven deaths, according to the coroners in both counties. There also have been deaths attributed to OxyContin in Butler, Crawford, Erie, Mercer and Somerset counties.

These days, prescription drug abuse is one of the major reasons for a drug addict to check in to a rehab facility. Drug rehab facilities have learned and have changed a lot from 9 years ago. There are special programs in place in many good drug rehab facilities dealing specifically with prescription drug abuse by teens or by adults. Two such facilities are Inspiration Teens and Families, a teen rehab center, catering to 12 to 18 year old alcohol and drug abusers and Cove Center for Recovery, an adult male and female rehab center for 18 year olds and up.

Reach out to us. Recovery from addiction is just a click or a phone call away. If the information you are looking for is not found here and you need immediate attention you may contact us:

Inspirations for Youth and FamiliesAddiction Treatment for Teens: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com/

Cove Center for Recovery Addiction Treatment for adults and young adults: 1-888-387-6237
http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com/

Risks of Teen Prescription Drug Addiction

Prescription drugs when abused - that is, taken by someone other than the patient for whom the medication was prescribed, or taken in a manner or dosage other than that it was prescribed can produce serious adverse health effects, including addiction.

Similarly, some OTC medications, such as cough and cold medicines containing dextromethorphan, have beneficial effects when taken as recommended; but they can also be abused and lead to serious adverse health consequences. Parents should be aware of the potential for abuse of these medications, especially when consumed in large quantities, which should signal concern and the possible need for intervention.

Risks of Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs Used by Teens Opioids (used to treat pain):

• Addiction. Prescription opioids act on the same receptors as heroin and therefore can be highly addictive. People who abuse them sometimes alter the route of administration (e.g., snorting or injecting vs. taking orally) to intensify the effect; some even report moving from prescription opioids to heroin.

• Overdose. Abuse of opioids, alone or in combination with alcohol or other drugs, can depress respiration and lead to death. Overdose is a major concern: the number of fatal poisonings involving prescription pain relievers has more than tripled since 1999.

• Heightened HIV risk. Injecting opioids increases the risk of HIV and other infectious diseases through use of unsterile or shared equipment.

CNS Depressants (used to treat anxiety and sleep problems):

• Addiction and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. These drugs are addictive and, in chronic users or abusers, discontinuing them absent a physician's guidance can bring about severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures that can be life-threatening.

• Overdose. High doses can cause severe respiratory depression. This risk increases when CNS depressants are combined with other medications or alcohol.

Stimulants (used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy):

• Addiction and other health consequences. These include psychosis, seizures, and cardiovascular complications.

Teen Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment:

Psychology plays a bigger role in the addicted teens than other groups of addicts. Inclusion of family, especially in the teen's drug rehabilitation treatment, is critical to the success of the treatment. This is the reason that rehab facilities include parents and family members in their addiction therapy programs.

Another important part of teen’s addiction treatment is addressing his or her educational needs. It is crucial to minimize the impact of treatment on the child’s education and his chance of graduating from high school, while away from home in the treatment center. For this reason, most specialized adolescent teen rehab facilities, provide educational program alongside the addiction treatment.

Most parents recognize when their child needs help. If you find out that your teen is struggling with prescription drug abuse or any other substance seeking help early can prevent a tragic outcome and stop your loved one from becoming another statistics.

Inspirations Teen Rehab, Adolescent Addiction Treatment Center will help you navigate the path of finding the right rehab center and point you, at least, in the right direction.

You can contact one of their licensed therapists by calling 1-888-757-6237, or get information about their facility by visiting their website at: http://www.inspirationsyouth.com/http://www.inspirationsteenrehab.com/

They also have a separate facility offering addiction treatment for young adults and adults. Contact their adult facility by calling 1-888-387-6237 or visit their website at http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com/

Prescription Drugs Are Stealing Lives

There is a misconception with overdoses; drug users are no longer just minorities, delinquents, or people from low-income neighborhoods, specially, when it comes to the new drug trend of abusing prescription pain killers. This abuse is leading to overdoses and the overdoses are killing teens coming from all levels of income with caring and loving parents. According to a nationwide study in comparing car crash deaths to prescription drug overdoses, 45,000 die due to car fatalities while 39,000 die due to prescription medication overdose.

The main sources of teen overdoses are opiate prescription pain killers. The major problem is the teenagers’ lack of understanding of the addictive side of prescription drugs as well as its danger. Pain killers are highly addictive and create problems besides overdoses. Attitudes and behavior change, grades start to drop, and worst of all, they lead to other drugs. It is common for prescription medications to be gateway drugs. Often when the price of buying these prescription pills on the street gets too high, people turn to heroine, since pain pills mimic a heroine high.

In fact recently 30 teens in a treatment facility for addiction to opiates have admitted to turning to heroine as a cheaper solution to their addiction. When asking the experts, one Oxycontin pill costs about $80, a gram of cocaine is $50, and heroin is even cheaper at about $10 a bag. Prescription opiates are easily available in medicine cabinets and through friends. The addiction and overdoses are problems in addition to death which can be easily caused by mixing the pain killers with other drugs and or alcohol. The mixing of substances is not uncommon and more than often lead to negative effects.

Do not wait! Death from prescription drugs are becoming very common. After the death of a 17 year old teenager who ingested a pain killer pill at a party, many people started to pay attention. Parents be aware of your teens’ party. The 17 year old teenager who died was attending a high school party when offered the prescription drug. These parties are called “Pharm” Parties which are parties where prescription drugs are offered to guests. Teens are not just abusing prescription pain killers but also, anti-anxiety medication, and over the counter cough medications.

If your teenager or someone you know is abusing prescription drugs or struggling with any other addiction or any other destructive behaviors, please call Inspirations Teen Rehab. The one of a kind program which is very successful and well known; featured on the Dr. Phill Show. The team of professionals at Inspirations Teen Rehab is always available. Call before another teen suffers an overdose or death.

Reach out to us. Recovery from addiction is just a click or a phone call away. If the information you are looking for is not found here and you need immediate attention you may contact us:

Teen Addiction Help: 1-888-757-6237
http://www.inspirationsyouth.com

Addiction Treatment for Young Adults and Adults : 1-888-387-6237
http://www.covecenterforrecovery.com