In recent weeks, teenagers in and around Orange County have been overdosing in unprecedented numbers on a little-known drug called Opana. Parents are baffled. Few even knew what the drug was or how dangerous it was, much less that their teen was experimenting with the pills. The result has been a wakeup call to parents and teens across the country: Opana is a dangerous drug and no use is okay for teens.
Teen Opana Abuse is on the Rise
Opana – or oxymorphone – is similar to OxyContin and morphine in its chemical makeup and in how it affects its users. Teens often find the pills in their parents’ medicine cabinets and appropriate them for their recreational use. The mistaken belief that a medical prescription is inherently safe because it was originally prescribed by a doctor can get teens into a lot of trouble. If parents find Opana in their teens’ possession without a prescription or find out that they are using the drug regularly or even occasionally, it’s time to take drastic measures to nip the behavior in the bud.
Why Teens Abuse Opana
The reason why teens abuse prescription drugs like Opana is largely about convenience. Many find the drug at home or have it offered to them by friends. It’s easy to hide because it’s small and has no odor, plus teens can ingest it quickly and easily without calling attention to themselves. The belief that the prescription drugs are inherently safe can lead to abusive uses. For example, many teens think that it isn’t a big deal to combine Opana with other drugs or alcohol, one of the most common recipes for Opana overdose. Many also abuse the extended-release Opana tablets by crushing them before snorting or swallowing the drug, providing a larger rush.
How to Identify Opana Abuse and Addiction in Your Teen
Identifying the signs of Opana abuse and addiction in your teen means looking for the symptoms that accompany any prescription painkiller addiction. You may notice some of the side effects that come with Opana use or withdrawal symptoms that mimic the flu when your teen runs out of the drug. Other signs of drug addiction in teens include:
- Secretive behavior. Few teens are overly forthcoming with their parents, but those who are using drugs become irate when questioned about their whereabouts or when parents want to come into their rooms or go into their school bag.
- Changes in friends. Teens who are using Opana and other prescription drugs need buddies to do it with or to get them the pills. If their choice in friends seems to be changing to include a breed of young people who are reputed to use drugs and alcohol, chances are that this is a sign of addiction and drug abuse.
- Changes in appearance. Teens who are using drugs are generally pretty into it. They may begin to look the part, dressing in a more unkempt fashion and choosing clothes that highlight drug abuse.
- New lingo in texts and conversations. If you are monitoring your teen’s texts, emails and phone conversation, you may notice that your son or daughter is using slang you don’t recognize. Opana is often referred to as “blues,” “pinks,” “OM,” “The O Bomb,” “pink ladies,” or “stop signs,” depending upon the shape and color of the tablets in use.
How Parents Can Help Teens Fight Opana Abuse and Addiction
The only way to effectively help your child fight Opana abuse and addiction is to enroll him in a teen Opana rehab program. For teens who are at the abuse stage, an outpatient program may be sufficient. For those who have developed a physical dependence upon the drug in addition to psychological cravings, an inpatient Opana rehab program is the better option. Contact us today at Newport Academy to learn more about how we can help you provide your teen with the Opana rehab help he needs to kick Opana addiction and avoid the risk of Opana overdose.
