Opiates - Addiction in Adolescents and Young Adults
Opiate addiction in troubled teens and troubled young adults is recognized as a central nervous system disorder, caused by continuous opiate intake. After prolonged opiate use, the nerve cells in the brain, which would otherwise produce endogenous opiates (natural painkillers, or endorphins), cease to function normally. The body stops producing endorphins because it is receiving opiates instead. The degeneration of these nerve cells causes a physical dependency to an external supply of opiates. Abrupt or sudden abstinence from opiates induces yet another traumatic disorder - withdrawal syndrome.
Opiate withdrawal refers to the wide range of symptoms that occur after stopping or dramatically reducing opiate drug intake after heavy and prolonged use. Opiates are narcotics, and drugs in this category tend to make the user feel sleepy, as opposed to energized. Many are powerful drugs and can severely "numb" the user. Opiates include prescription medications such as:
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Oxycodone
- Oxycontin
- Percocet
- Percodan
- Ultram
- Vicodin
Behavioral Changes Associated with Opiate Use and Abuse
Teenagers and young adults who are addicted to opiates display behavioral changes which become more and more marked as the length of addiction extends. Relationships rapidly fall apart and performance at work or school deteriorates. Despite the efforts of the teen or young adult addict to hide their addiction, this becomes less and less possible over time. There are many treatment options available for troubled teens or troubled young adults dealing with an addiction to opiates.
Opiate addiction treatment can help these teenagers and young adults overcome withdrawal symptoms through an opiate detox program. During detox, the medical staff on hand will administer medications that can ease, and in some cases even eliminate, withdrawal symptoms.