Opioid Substance Abuse in Teenagers
What Are Opioids?
Opioids are a class of drugs that include heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and prescription pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many others. Slang terms you may have heard for these types of drugs include: Oxy, Vike, Black Beauties, Bennies, Lean, and more.
Effects on the Body and Brain
Opioids affect both the spinal cord and the brain to reduce the perceived intensity of pain, as well as the brain areas that control emotion. They can also effect the part of the brain that causes euphoria, or causes an individual to feel “high.”
Opioids also slow down the actions of the body including breathing and heartbeat. Just a single dose of an opioid can cause severe respiratory depression (slowing or stopping breathing) which may lead to death. Taking opioids with alcohol or other “downers” increases this risk.
Dangers of Opioid Use
Opioids are highly addictive – while many have heard of the addictive nature of heroin, it is less well known that more people struggle with addiction to prescription pain pills. Many individuals who use heroin report that they have misused prescription drugs before starting to use heroin.
Opioids can kill you – Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the Unite States. Between March of 2017 and March of 2018, nearly 67% of these deaths involved opioids.
Signs & Symptoms of Opioid Use
Physical Signs of Opioid Use
- Constipation, nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth
- Sleepiness and dizziness
- Confusion and/or loss of coordination
- Shallow or slow breathing rate
- Itching, sweating and shaking
Behavioral Signs of Opioid Use
- A change in group of friends
- Carelessness with grooming
- Decline in academic performance
- Missing classes or skipping school
- Loss of interest in activities and abandoning responsibilities
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Deteriorating relationships with family and friends
- Depression, anxiety and irritability
- Drastic mood swings
Opioid Addiction
While many people are prescribed opioids out of medical necessity, and use them without becoming addicted, being aware of their danger and addictiveness is important.
Even if someone is prescribed one of these medications— such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine—misuse of these substances is rampant. If you have questions, talk to loved ones, a doctor, a counselor, a teacher, or another adult you trust.
If someone you know is misusing opioids, encourage them to stop using or to seek help from a professional.
Source: SAMSHA
Talking to Your Kids
Parents face a tough dilemma about substance use: we may want our children to abstain from alcohol and drug use but what do we do if they are not? Besides the effects of substance use on the developing brain, teens using substances may face very serious consequences.
Signs of Teen Drug or Alcohol Use
Figuring out if your child is using drugs or alcohol may pose a challenge. Many of the very early signs and symptoms could just be typical teen or young adult behavior. Many may also be signs of mental health issues, including depression or anxiety.
Opioids & Prescription Drugs
FAQs covering prescription opioids, misuse, addiction risks, overdose prevention, and safe medication practices.
How easy is it to overdose?
Many drugs, especially opioids like fentanyl, carry high overdose risk even in small amounts. cdc.gov+1
According to WHO, opioid overdoses can suppress breathing (“opioids … regulatory effect on breathing”), which can be fatal. World Health Organization
How many people die from drug use?
The CDC reports tens of thousands of overdose deaths per year in the U.S.; for example, in 2022 there were 107,941 overdose deaths, with ~76% involving opioids. cdc.gov
Over the last few decades, the overdose death rate has increased dramatically. cdc.gov
Pew Charitable Trusts notes that stimulants (like meth or cocaine) are also a driver of overdose deaths. Pew Charitable Trusts
What are the chances of relapse?
According to NIDA, addiction is “relapsing”: even after long periods of abstinence, brain changes make relapse more likely. NIDA
The AddictionGroup reports up to 91% relapse for opioid addiction (without sustained treatment) and other high rates for various substances. Addiction Group
Relapse should not be seen as failure — it’s often a signal that treatment needs to be adjusted. cdc.gov
What are ways to receive help as an addict?
The U.S. government’s USA.gov lists help lines, treatment locators, and support groups (AA, NA, SMART Recovery). USAGov
SAMHSA offers treatment programs, including outpatient, inpatient, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). SAMHSA+1
The CDC explains that effective recovery often includes therapy, medication (for opioid use disorder), and ongoing care. cdc.gov
What is the point of rehab?
According to the CDC and NIDA, rehab (inpatient or outpatient) gives a structured environment to detox safely, learn coping skills, and work on long-term recovery. cdc.gov+1
Mayo Clinic describes rehab as a place to receive therapy, peer support, and follow-up care to prevent relapse. Mayo Clinic
Find Help
Find Additional Resources for Crisis Help, Support Groups and Substance Abuse Treatement.
