24 Sep A Painful Pill: Painkiller abuse symptoms and consequences
For something that is meant to reduce pain, painkillers cause a great deal of pain and suffering for thousands of teens. Painkiller abuse has become a huge issue in recent years and it’s only getting worse. It’s leading to young people using heroin and other illicit substances when they can’t get their hands on painkillers. It can even lead to death.
Why Painkillers?
The main reason painkiller abuse is becoming so widespread is because painkillers are easily accessible. Teens going to the doctor for a sprain, sports injury, or painful wound of any kind, can get their hands on painkillers.
Drugs utilized in painkillers abuse include non sterioidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen, opiates such as methadone, oxycodone, morphine, and hydrocodone, or a combination thereof.
Image source: flickr user- emagineart
Symptoms of Painkiller Abuse
Knowing the signs and symptoms of painkiller abuse is crucial to getting your teen the help they need. Symptoms of painkiller abuse include:
- Changes in behavior: Anger, anxiety, agitation
- Isolating themselves from friends and family
- Not participating in activities they once enjoyed
- Using the painkiller all the time, even after the pain has ended
- Not doing well in school
- Physical symptoms such as joint and muscle pain and nausea
- Constant headaches
- Insomnia
- Change in appearance, including a neglect in personal hygiene
- Drowsy
Negative ramifications
The negative effects of painkiller abuse can be physically, psychologically and socially devastating. Painkiller abuse can cause liver failure, impaired mental function, mood swings, low self esteem, paranoia, damaged relationships, and in extreme cases, death. Painkiller abuse can ruin your teen’s life if you don’t catch it soon enough.
Getting help
ViewPoint Center is a teen mental health hospital for teens ages 12-17 struggling with emotional and behavioral issues. ViewPoint Center provides a diagnostic assessment, followed by the proper treatment for issues such as painkiller abuse, depression, eating disorders, and other devastating issues. With a team of caring, experienced clinicians, ViewPoint Center can help your teen get back on the right track,
For more information about ViewPoint Center, please call 801-825-5222.