Prescription painkillers can provide relief for pain, but when misused, they can lead to dangerous consequences, especially for teens. Painkiller addiction, a growing issue among adolescents, has devastating impacts on their health, relationships, and futures. Recognizing the warning signs early can help parents in North Carolina intervene and provide the necessary support.
Why prescription painkillers are dangerous for teens
Teenagers are still developing physically, emotionally, and mentally. This stage of growth makes them especially vulnerable to substance misuse, including painkillers. Teen brains are highly impressionable, with areas responsible for decision-making and impulse control still maturing. Using addictive substances can disturb these developmental processes.
Prescription painkillers, especially opioids, interfere with brain chemistry by binding to receptors that regulate pain and mood. This not only numbs pain but also creates feelings of euphoria, making these drugs highly addictive. What starts as experimentation or curiosity can quickly spiral into dependency. Painkiller addiction in teens often progresses faster because their boundaries for “safe use” are less defined.
Pain management can quickly spiral out of control
Painkiller misuse doesn’t always start as experimentation or an act of rebellion. Teens are just as prone to injury as adults, sometimes even more so. Sports injuries, surgeries, and car accidents can all cause serious pain that can be managed with prescription painkillers. Tolerance to these painkillers develops quickly, meaning someone needs to take a higher dose in order to feel the same relieving effects. At the same time, the brain becomes dependent on them to feel relaxed or even happy at times.
Common medications teens misuse
Some of the most commonly abused prescription painkillers fall under the opioid category. These include medications such as:
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco)
- Morphine
- Codeine (commonly found in cough syrups)
- Fentanyl
If you or your teen has ever been prescribed one of these medications or another opioid painkiller, you know that they come with long lists of warnings. Keeping them in a locked place and properly disposing of any leftover pills can make it harder for your teen to get access to them.
Statistics on teen painkiller misuse
Painkiller misuse among teens is a nationwide concern. According to recent national surveys on drug use, millions of adolescents report having used prescription painkillers without a doctor’s supervision. Teenagers often see these drugs as “safer” than illicit drugs because they’re legal and prescribed by healthcare professionals, but this perception is misleading.
According to the CDC:
- 14.3% of high school students abuse prescription opioids
- 9.8% of high school students reported misuse of prescription opioids greater than 40 times
- 43.5% of students reporting current prescription opioid misuse also reported current marijuana use
- 59.4% of students reporting current prescription opioid misuse also report current alcohol use1
These numbers highlight the importance of education and intervention before misuse worsens or leads to a fatal overdose.
North Carolina isn’t immune
In a recent study, nearly 16% of North Carolina high school students had ever used prescription drugs without a doctor’s prescription—a rate higher than the national average. This report used data from 2021, which was squarely within the state’s most dangerous period of the opioid epidemic. From 2000–2022, more than 36,000 North Carolinians died from an opioid overdose. But there is good news: drug deaths are dropping rapidly across the country, including among young people.
How teens commonly gain access to painkillers
Many parents are unaware of how teens may obtain painkillers. Here are some common ways:
- At home: Medications leftover from surgeries or dental procedures are often stored in medicine cabinets. Unused prescriptions are an easy target.
- Through friends: Teens may share medications with peers, either for recreational use or to address real or perceived pain.
- School or parties: Some teens trade or sell unused pills in social settings.
- Online platforms: The internet has made it possible to access prescription medications illegally. Dealers can lurk on social media or use shady sites that make it hard to track them down.
Still have unused medication after a procedure? North Carolina provides access to medication disposal drop boxes.
Physical and behavioral signs of painkiller abuse
Recognizing the signs of painkiller abuse can be tricky, as some symptoms overlap with typical teenage behavior. However, there are distinct physical and behavioral indicators to watch for.
Physical symptoms
- Drowsiness or extreme fatigue
- Constricted pupils
- Nausea or vomiting
- Complaints of headaches or dizziness
- Slurred speech or difficulty concentrating
Behavioral symptoms
- Sudden mood changes, including excessive irritability or euphoria
- Withdrawal from family or social activities
- Declining academic performance
- Neglecting personal hygiene or appearance
- Secretive behaviors, such as hiding belongings or lying about their whereabouts
Opioid overdose symptoms
The risk of overdose is high when someone misuses painkillers. That’s because opioids depress the central nervous system, which can cause shallow breathing. If you notice these symptoms of overdose, administer Narcan (an opioid overdose reversal medication) and call 911:
- Slow, irregular, or stopped breathing
- Blu/purple/grey-tinted lips and/or nails
- Unresponsiveness to touch or sound
- Small, pinpoint pupils
- Clammy, pale skin
Opioid overdose can be reversed if immediately treated. Don’t wait to get help.
The link between painkillers and future heroin or fentanyl use
One significant danger of painkiller addiction is its close relationship with harder, illicit drugs like heroin and fentanyl. A large percentage of heroin users started with prescription opioids. Heroin provides a more accessible alternative when prescription pills become too expensive or difficult to find.
Even more concerning are illicit fentanyl analogs, synthetic opioids that are exponentially stronger than heroin or morphine. Teens experimenting with painkillers may unknowingly ingest fentanyl in counterfeit pills or mixed substances, significantly increasing their risk of overdose.
How to talk to your teen if you suspect they’re misusing painkillers
Opening a dialogue about painkiller misuse requires patience and empathy. Here are some tips for having this important discussion:
Start with honesty and empathy
Approach your teen calmly. Avoid accusations or making them feel ashamed. Instead, share your concerns openly, emphasizing care and support.
Listen without judgment
Your teen may feel defensive, but giving them space to share their perspective can foster trust. Listen actively and avoid jumping to conclusions.
Share facts about the risks
Educate them on the dangers of painkillers, including addiction, overdose risks, and the potential transition to harder drugs.
Collaborate on next steps
If your teen admits to misuse, work together to create a plan for addressing the problem. This might include seeking professional help or reaching out to a painkiller addiction rehab, like Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® in North Carolina.
Treatment for adolescent painkiller misuse at Foothills
When it comes to recovery from painkiller addiction, Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® offers specialized programs tailored to the unique needs of adolescents. Our adolescent prescription drug addiction treatment focuses on holistic healing in a safe, nurturing environment.
Individualized treatment plans
Every teen in our care receives a custom treatment plan built around their specific needs. This includes addressing physical symptoms, emotional challenges, and underlying causes of addiction.
Evidence-based therapies
We provide a mix of therapies, including individual counseling, group therapy, and family therapy. Experiential therapies, such as equine therapy and outdoor activities in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, are also included to promote self-awareness and confidence.
Relapse prevention skills
A significant part of our program is teaching teens how to avoid relapse through relapse prevention techniques. By building healthy coping mechanisms and understanding triggers, our clients gain tools to maintain their recovery long-term.
Gender-specific environment
Foothills is a treatment center for teen boys 14–17. Our licensed professionals understand the unique needs of teens navigating the transition to adulthood, and the boys have opportunities to connect with and learn from one another.
Expert clinical care
Our team of master’s-level clinicians specializes in treating addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions. The small, intimate setting at Foothills fosters close relationships and personalized care.
If you’re searching for painkiller addiction treatment in North Carolina, we’re here to help your family restore hope and healing.
Get help from Foothills at Red Oak Recovery®
Spotting the signs of painkiller abuse is the first critical step. If your teen is struggling, don’t wait for the problem to grow worse. Professional help can make all the difference. Foothills at Red Oak Recovery® offers compassionate, effective painkiller addiction rehab in North Carolina designed specifically for teen boys.
Call us today at 828.519.5047 or use our online contact form to learn more about our holistic approach to recovery. Together, we can help your teen find hope and healing.
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