Teen Opana Addiction
Otherwise known as oxymorphone, Opana is a narcotic painkiller that is similar in effect to morphine. It comes in extended-release and immediate-release forms and is prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. In the past few years, it has become a secret addiction issue. Few people have even heard of the drug and even fewer recognize it for its dangerous potential. Unfortunately, this lack of awareness has led to many becoming unwitting victims of Opana addiction and Opana overdose. In some cases, the results are deadly.
If you would like more information about Opana addiction treatment for teens, contact us today at Newport Academy.
The Rise of Teen Opana Abuse
Teens have discovered, however, that by crushing the extended release tablets before snorting, swallowing or injecting them, they get a much stronger high. Prescription drugs are often much more easily acquired than street drugs or alcohol for teenagers and this ease of access has played a huge part in the rise in teen Opana abuse. Small pills that aren’t given away by a smell like alcohol or ingested noticeably like heroin, crystal meth and other drugs are preferred by teens looking for secretive ways to get high. Prescription drugs have become much more popular among teens for these reasons and Opana abuse has risen right along with the tide.
The Risks of Opana Abuse and Addiction
One of the biggest risks of Opana abuse and use among teens is the threat of accidental overdose. Too few teens are aware of the potency of the drug and mix it with alcohol and other drugs in a recreational setting. Though their hope is to get high and have a good time, they may end up overdosing and experiencing respiratory depression, seizures, coma and even death instead. These risks are increased when taking Opana in large amounts, mixing Opana with other drugs including alcohol or crushing extended-release forms of Opana before ingesting the drug.
Opana addiction is, of course, another risk of continued Opana abuse. When Opana addiction is present and chronic Opana abuse is an issue, overdose is a constant threat. So, too, is the threat of accident or death due to negligence or poor decision-making under the influence. Falling behind at school, losing jobs, damaging relationships with family members and close friends – all these issues are a risk for the teen living with Opana addiction.
Opana Is Physically Addictive
The physical dependence upon Opana can begin after just a few days of regular use. As your teen’s body builds up a tolerance to the drug, he will need higher and higher doses in order to experience the high he felt during his first use. Over time, when your teen does not take the drug, he will begin to feel ill until he gets a minimum amount in his body. These issues are described as withdrawal symptoms; when your child experiences them, the physical addiction is so great that a teen drug detox will be required in order for your teen to safely and effectively stop taking Opana.
Opana Is Psychologically Addictive
A craving for a particular drug whenever the teen is not actively under the influence is one of the defining factors of addiction. When combined with physical dependence, psychological cravings can be exhausting and last long after the withdrawal symptoms have faded. While teen drug detox addresses the issue of physical Opana addiction, extended therapy in an addiction treatment program following detox is the only way to treat the psychological dependence. Through group therapy, personal therapy and family therapy, your teen can identify issues and situations that make him crave Opana and learn how better to handle those situations – or avoid them completely.
Opana Is Emotionally and Mentally Addictive
The teen years are fraught with issues related to low confidence, low self-esteem and tense peer interactions. Many teens use drugs and alcohol as a way to feel better about themselves, feel more comfortable in social situations and ease feelings of stress or depression in order to have a good time. Because Opana may be easily accessible from home or friends, it is a quick fix to a problem. Unfortunately, prescriptions soon run out and many teens end up turning to street drugs like heroin, especially when they have a physical dependence that requires more opiate drugs in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Recognizing Opana Addiction in Your Teen
Parents who haven’t heard much about Opana may be worried they are missing the signs of abuse in their teen. Opana addiction is common just like any painkiller addiction. The signs and symptoms in that regard are the same and include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Constipation
- Anxiety
- Slower heart rate and breathing rate
There are a few other things for parents to look for that are specific to the drug Opana. For example, Opana comes in 5 milligram, 10 milligram, 20 milligram and 40 milligram pills that may be octagonal or round and in colors that include red, blue, pink, light orange, light green and yellow.
Though its brand names include Opana, Opana ER and Opana IR, your teen likely will use slang terms to refer to the drug when talking to friends. Look for references to “blues,” “pinks,” “The O Bomb,” “OM,” “pink ladies,” “pink heaven,” “blue heaven” or “stop signs” when they are talking or texting to friends.
Social Risks of Untreated Opana Addiction
Few teens addicted to Opana will be able to sustain friendships or positive relationships while living with an active addiction. Many of your teen’s peer relationships will break down during the development of their addiction to Opana, and the longer that their Opana abuse goes untreated, the more social issues will pop up. Your teen may find a new group of friends, but they are likely to abuse opiate drugs including Opana as well. This new, drug-abusing group of friends can end up causing a great deal of damage to your teen emotionally and socially, making it more difficult for you to help.
Your child’s relationship with you and other family members also suffers when teen Opana addiction is an issue. The more your teen abuses Opana, the more tired and uninterested in other people they will become. Your teen may not spend much time at home, instead spending their time trying to obtain more pills. They might become defiant and aggressive towards family members, sometimes to the point of violence if they abuse Opana often enough and in large amounts.
Treating Opana Addiction at Newport Academy
Opana addiction is a serious health hazard among teens, but teen Opana rehab is available. At Newport Academy, we offer painkiller detox and addiction treatment on an inpatient and outpatient basis. Contact us today to enroll your child in the Newport Academy Opana addiction treatment program that will be most effective.