Understanding Teenage Prescription Drug Abuse

Prescription drugs include opioids, depressants, and stimulants. They are the third most commonly abused drugs by teens. Adolescents typically get prescription drugs from friends and relatives, many times without the person knowing. People tend to feel that these drugs are safer than street drugs because they are prescribed by a doctor. However, the recreational use of prescription drugs can be just as addictive and dangerous as using drugs purchased illegally. 

If you’re concerned about your child abusing prescription drugs, Ascend Healthcare is here to help with a personalized prescription drug addiction treatment program that meets their needs. Learn more about what may be causing their addiction as well as what prescription drug rehabilitation may look like at Ascend Healthcare.

 Cause Of Teenage Prescription Drug Abuse

Teens report using prescription drugs for a number of reasons: to get high, to find relief from pain, or because they think it will help them with school work. Even teens who had a legitimate prescription to begin with, may start to suffer from addiction.

Medications that affect the brain can change the way it works — especially when they are taken over an extended period of time or with escalating doses. These drugs can change your internal reward system, making it harder for a person to feel good without the drug and possibly leading to intense cravings. Cravings make it hard to stop using and may land your teen in a prescription drug rehabilitation facility.

Common Prescription Drugs That Lead to Addiction

Our prescription drug addiction treatment program has seen a lot of different types of drug abuse over the years. Some of the most common names that could lead your child to a teen prescription drug rehab in CA include:

• Opioid pain relievers – Vicodin, oxycodone, morphine, and codeine
• Central nervous system depressants – Xanax and Valium
• Stimulants (such as those used for treating ADHD): Ritalin, Adderall, and Concerta

Many of these also have generic brand names that might confuse the issue of whether the drugs are addictive or not. Your child could be on some generic versions that match brand names.

 Opioid pain relievers are a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen which could be prescribed as Lorcet, Norco, Xodol, Lortab, and Hycet. Central nervous system depressants are a class of benzodiazepines that can also be found under the names Alprazolam and Diazepam. Stimulants are usually a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. The alternative to brand names include Methylphenidate.

Just because your child doesn’t use a brand name, doesn’t mean they aren’t at risk. Without careful supervision and evaluation, they may end up needing a prescription drug addiction treatment program, often through no fault of their own.

Signs & Symptoms To Look For

Worried that your child might need to enroll in a prescription drug addiction treatment program? If you’re not sure, look for a few of the obvious symptoms of prescription drug abuse including:

• Missing medication
• Sudden changes in friends
• Changes in attitude or personality
• Unexpected changes in appearance
• Declining academic performance
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
• Change in sleep patterns
• Unexplained need for money
• Theft
• Secrecy
• Pinpoint pupils
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness
• Abrupt weight loss
• Sudden defiance

Teen Prescription Drug Rehab in California at Ascend Healthcare

When your child needs help, you want them to be in an open, safe space where they’re treated with care and respect. At Ascend, we have years of experience curating personalized prescription drug addiction treatment programs for wayward young people that need a little guidance to find their way back to a healthy, happy life.

Are you ready to learn more about our comprehensive admissions process, beautiful residential facilities, and expert team members? Reach out to us today at 310.388.3713.