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Substance dependence disorder is a common and dangerous problem among adolescents in the U.S. with D.C, Vermont, and Colorado being among the states with the highest rates of drug addiction. The frequency with which doctors prescribe highly addictive medications to teens only contributes to this problem and puts them at risk of dangerous behaviors and tragic outcomes.

Most Common Drugs Prescribed To Adolescents

Opioids

Opioids are a class of drug found naturally in poppies. They’re synthesized and sold both as street drugs and as prescription medication for their ability to numb pain. Prescription opioids are sold under many names, such as morphine, Vicodin, oxycontin, fentanyl, and Percocet. In addition to their pain-killing abilities, they induce feelings of intense euphoria. Sadly, opioids are also responsible for the high rate of overdose deaths among teens.

What conditions do they treat?

Opioids are prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe pain, often associated with recovery from surgery, such as wisdom tooth removal.

Risks of Becoming Dependent

Dependency comes with a variety of risks and side effects, such as itchiness, constipation, nausea, weakness, lowered blood pressure and respiratory rate, unconsciousness, and death. If a person is dependent on these medications, withdrawal can be dangerous. Sudden withdrawal by a dependent person can lead to severe illness and even death. Substance abuse treatment can help prevent these effects.

Stimulants

Stimulants are a class of drug that speeds up signaling in the brain. They increase energy, wakefulness, alertness, and attention. For these reasons, they’re commonly used by students for their ability to help them study. Stimulants are prescribed under several names, such as Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta, and Dexedrine. They are used to get high, improve mood, and reduce appetite.

What conditions do they treat?

Stimulants are commonly used to treat ADHD in kids as young as 4 years old. They are also used to treat narcolepsy, and rarely, obesity.

Risks of Becoming Dependent

Dependency can lead to physical and psychological risks and side effects, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, aggression, anxiety, impulsive behaviors, hallucinations, psychosis, stroke, and heart attack.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a class of drug called tranquilizers, which promote relaxation and curb anxiety. Benzodiazepines are sold under many names, such as Valium, Ativan, Clonazepam, and Xanax.

What conditions do they treat?

Benzodiazepines are prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, seizures, and insomnia.

Risks of Becoming Dependent

Dependency on benzodiazepines can lead to risks and side effects, such as confusion, memory loss, impaired concentration, slowed breathing, lowered blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and death.

Similar to opioids, withdrawal from these drugs is also dangerous. Severe illness and seizures could result from sudden withdrawal from this medication. Substance abuse treatment can help prevent withdrawal syndrome and its dangerous effects.

Why do adolescents abuse prescription drugs?

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 5 out of the top 10 reasons ‌teens do prescription drugs are linked to accessibility. There’s nothing more convenient than being prescribed to medication that can also get you high. Other reasons adolescents abuse prescription drugs include helping with sleep, relieving tension, relieving pain, intoxication, increasing alertness, improving concentration, coping with emotions, helping with studying, and experimentation.

Treatment for Adolescent Prescription Drug Dependence

For adolescents who want to begin their substance dependence disorder recovery journey, California has some of the best treatment centers in the country. Residential treatment in California can help provide you with the skills you need to end your dependence on prescription drugs in a safe and healthy way. Contact Safe Haven Recovery to start the admissions process and take your first step to a happier and healthier life.