Certain Teens More Prone to Opioid Addiction

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Certain Teens More Prone to Opioid Addiction

The country’s opioid epidemic doesn’t seem to be going away and researchers are continuing to figure out who’s most vulnerable. The newest group: Teens with a mental health conditions, including anxiety, mood disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, psychosis, sleep disorders and/or substance abuse problems.

Similar to previous studies on adults, researchers found that teens with mental health conditions are more likely to take prescription opioids on a long-term basis. This includes drugs like oxycodone (OxyContin) or hydrocodone (Vicodin).

According to researchers, about three out of every 1,000 teenagers prescribed opioids wound up taking them long-term – and those numbers are even higher for teens struggling with the following mental disorders:

  • 7 out of 1,000 teens with schizophrenia
  • 8 out of 1,000 teens with anxiety disorders
  • 9 out of 1,000 teens with depressio
  • 10 out of 1,000 teens with bipolar disorder
  • 11 out of 1,000 teens with a sleep disorder

What’s perhaps more surprising is that these patients “might be already carrying some risk for [addiction] problems, even before they start taking opioids,” study author Patrick Quinn said in a statement. “… and their underlying mental disorder makes them more likely to feel their pain more intensely or persistently.”

Questions to Ask About a Painkiller Prescription
Knowing what to ask if you or someone you love is prescribed an opioid can help prevent addiction. Here are a few questions to consider:

  • What if I have a family history of addiction or are currently undergoing rehab?
  • Are there any non-opioid meds that could work for me?
  • Can we explore any alternatives or complementary therapies to help with pain?
  • What are the signs of tolerance or abuse?
  • Is it safe to share my medication?
  • What’s the plan for stopping opioids safely?
  • Should I have a prescription for a naloxone kit?

Treating Opiate Addiction
There’s no better time than today to get help for you or someone you love who is struggling with opiate addiction. Seabrook is proud to be on the front line combating the nationwide opioid epidemic and helping our clients to achieve a lasting sobriety. To learn more about our multifaceted medical approach to alcohol and other drugs, including opiate detoxification, call us today: 856-455-7575.