The opioid crisis continues to loom over our heads, and teens are unknowingly getting swept into it. You may know to watch for the common signs of substance use, but did you know that opioid addiction is one of the hardest addictions to spot? Luckily, there are still glaring red flags that point to opioid use, and recognizing them can save your teen’s life.
The Easy-to-Miss Signs of Opioid Addiction
But why is opioid addiction so difficult to recognize? Youth mental health and addiction experts like Clearfork Academy say that it’s because symptoms can mimic the flu or resemble moodiness driven by hormonal changes. Rather than the symptoms themselves, you should watch for abnormal recurrence or confirm whether they occur in tandem with other signs. If they do, you have a strong case for opioid addiction.
Physical and Behavioral Red Flags
That’s not to say that opioid use has no clear indications. In fact, other than flu-like symptoms that come and go, one of the most telltale signs of opioid dependence is constricted pupils. This occurs because opioids impair muscles in the irises, preventing pupil dilation even in dim lighting.
Another notable physical symptom is respiratory depression, otherwise known as slowed breathing. Make sure you watch out for this one, since it indicates severe intoxication and is the primary cause of overdose deaths.
How Opioids Can Affect a Teen’s Life
A teen on opioids may also experience unexplained weight loss, as the drugs can suppress appetite. These changes are often gradual, making them difficult to notice; however, if they occur alongside neglected hygiene, social withdrawal, unusual sleep patterns, or declining academy performance—all of which are common in teens engaging in substance use—you should intervene and seek professional care from a rehab center that specializes in treating adolescents.
Available Treatments
Teens with opioid use disorder often require medication-assisted treatment, which involves a medical detox with FDA-approved drugs that can stabilize the patient. While the idea of using drugs to stop drugs may seem counterintuitive, these medications can prevent cravings and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms that may occur due to the body’s dependence on opioids.
Following the detox, most rehab programs will enroll the teen in behavioral therapy programs that address any co-occurring mental disorders that may have led to the addiction; depression, anxiety, trauma, and unresolved family conflict are some of the most common drivers of opioid use, and treating them will improve the patient’s chances of a successful outcome.
Teens who have milder addictions can be treated with an outpatient rehab program, but residential programs should be considered for those who are severely dependent on opioids. The latter will provide the teen with 24-hour structured care in a safe environment, ensuring they are not exposed to their triggers.
Clearfork Academy
info@clearforkacademy.com
+1-888-430-5149
7820 Hanger Cutoff Road
Fort Worth
TX
76135
United States
