OxyContin is a commonly abused drug that teens often have access to. Because OxyContin is a prescription medication, it can be easier for teenagers to gain access to large amounts of these pills. This article discusses a number of things, including:
- The effects and symptoms of OxyContin use in teenagers
- Treatment for teenage OxyContin addiction or dependency
- Signs of addiction to OxyContin
If you are interested in learning more about OxyContin, the tolerance and dependency that OxyContin can cause in the body, or how to get help for an OxyContin addiction, contact us at . Knowing the treatment options for OxyContin addiction can be very important for parents with teens who are addicted to OxyContin, and the sooner you can get your teen help for dependency or addiction, the better.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of OxyContin is the first step to helping your teen overcome addiction or dependency. Their abuse may not start as an illegal pastime; OxyContin is prescribed for a number of ailments to those under 18, especially for injuries.
Teen OxyContin Abuse
Many people have been prescribed OxyContin for a wide number of reasons. This painkiller is often used after surgeries or for people with chronic injuries. Teens may have more access to this drug after common surgeries, such as a wisdom tooth extraction. If your teen participates in sports, he or she could have a sports injury that requires the painkiller, as it is stronger than some over-the-counter drugs. Teens who suffer from migraine headaches or other ailments may also have the option of taking OxyContin rather than aspirin or ibuprofen.
Because this drug is so easy to obtain, teens have a higher access rate and can end up taking the pill when it is unnecessary. This could be due to peer pressure from friends at school, or it might be that the pill gives the teen side effects that help numb pain or anxiety. It is more likely for teenaged females to have access to OxyContin than males; however, both sexes can abuse the drug.
Your child may take the drug more often than necessary for reasons other than abuse. For instance, when taking OxyContin the body develops a tolerance to the drug. Because of this, the body needs more of the drug to achieve the same effect. This means your teen will end up taking more of the drug more frequently to achieve the same benefits. Higher doses of this drug can cause problems in the body over time, so it is important to recognize if your teen has developed a tolerance and is taking more of the medication than usual.
If your teen has a dependency, you may recognize that he goes through withdrawal symptoms when he does not receive the correct dosage or takes a dose too late. If you recognize this in your teen, speak to your healthcare provider. Many medications are available for pain management, and this is only one of the many available options.
How Teens Get Access to OxyContin and Other Prescription Drugs
It is possible for teens to purchase prescription drugs online without a prescription in some instances. Your teen may also have access to the drug if she goes to a “pharming party” where a number of prescription drugs are available. OxyContin may be in the home if a parent, sibling or other family member has a prescription as well. Some teens may have friends who have a prescription for OxyContin that is legitimate. If that teen needed it for only a short time, he or she may be selling the drug for extra money.
Symptoms and Effects of Teenage OxyContin Addiction
There are many symptoms and signs associated with OxyContin abuse or addiction. These symptoms may vary in your teen, but may include:
- Sudden mood swings
- Tolerance
- Poor performance in school
- Missing pills from prescriptions of OxyContin
- Criminal behavior, such as stealing
- Internet-based pharmacy charges
- Absence from home
If you notice any errant behavior with your teen, keep an eye out for signs of addiction or abuse. If you suspect OxyContin abuse, call us at . We can offer information on treatment options that can help your teen kick addiction for good.
Taking OxyContin for a long period of time in high doses can be dangerous and lead to a number of symptoms. Some of these include:
- Restricted pupils
- Itchiness
- Stomach problems
- Nodding out
- Cramps
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Flu-like symptoms
- Cramps
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Depression
If you see any of these symptoms in your child, seek assistance. There are many facilities, both inpatient and outpatient, that can help your teen overcome dependency or addiction.
Treatment for Teen OxyContin Dependence
If you feel that your teenager needs help for his or her OxyContin addiction, contact a drug rehabilitation professional. An evaluation can be conducted to help understand how dependent your teen is on OxyContin and how to proceed. Confirm that any program you choose has therapies that focus on peer pressure, self-help techniques, physical abuse education and other subjects that are pertinent to teens.
Teens can get hooked on OxyContin more easily than adults, so it’s important to get help for your child as soon as possible. OxyContin addiction treatment options can fit your teen’s specific situation, whether he needs an outpatient clinic so that he can stay in school and work, or if she needs to go to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Feel free to call us at to talk about all the options you have as a parent and to learn more ways to help your teen overcome addiction.
