Newport Academy

Teen Oxycontin Treatment

Among teens, girls are more likely than boys to illegally obtain prescription painkillers and narcotics such as OxyContin. Other painkillers and opiates that teens commonly abuse include Vicodin, Dilaudid, Hydrocodone, Codeine, Percodan, Lortab, Morphine and Heroin. These are extremely dangerous drugs and should be taken only as indicated and when under the direct supervision of a physician. However, teens will often crush and snort OxyContin which inhibits the time-release action of the drug and delivers every milligram of this dangerous narcotic to the brain at once. OxyContin abuse can easily cause severe and long lasting withdrawal symptoms including hot and cold sweats, shaking, severe muscle cramps and muscle pains, anxiety, depression, vomiting, and restlessness.

Teens easily become addicted to OxyContin. When they attempt to quit this powerful painkiller these withdrawal symptoms will persist and teens will typically continue to use despite the negative consequences. OxyContin is highly addictive and dangerous and teens should not attempt to go through OxyContin withdrawal alone. The pain is far too painful, can persist for weeks, and withdrawal should be accomplished under a physicians care in a residential treatment center like Newport Academy. At Newport Academy, teens receive medications, counseling, and are closely monitored by qualified physicians to insure that the withdrawal from OxyContin and other prescription pain killers is successfully accomplished.

Teens using OxyContin are also very susceptible to overdose and death because they typically use painkillers such as OxyContin with other illegal drugs and/or alcohol. Combining other drugs and/or alcohol with OxyContin can dramatically increase the risk of overdose, convulsions, coma, or may even have fatal consequences. Overdoses with teens using OxyContin and other painkillers are common and the symptoms of overdose include weakness, convulsions, seizures, clammy skin, small pupils, coma and death. OxyContin can easily suppress the respiratory system and slow down breathing in teens which can often have fatal results. Recent data suggests that over 600 deaths in the US each year are linked to OxyContin.

Parents should learn all they can about the short and long term effects of narcotics like OxyContin. Medication should be kept locked up and parents should be aware of any missing pills from their medication bottles. Parents should also be on the lookout for any drug paraphernalia such as glass, mirrors, straws, or small spoons in the teen’s bedroom or belongings. Parents should also monitor their teens pupils and look for signs of using narcotics like OxyContin such as “nodding out” which can often resemble the teen being overly sedated or sleepy, pupils that are small or “pinned”, itchiness and constant scratching, feeling cold when it is not cold (this is especially true in early withdrawal), having stomach problems and flu like symptoms including diarrhea and vomiting, and other symptoms including cramps, agitation, anxiety and depression.

To help break the cycle of addiction, there is teen OxyContin treatment. These addiction treatments programs specialize in helping young people stop using prescription drugs - and learn the requisite life-skills needed to stay clean.

What happens during Teen OxyContin Treatment?

There are three core elements to almost every teen OxyContin treatment program: detox, counseling and aftercare. Detox programs help the young person cleanse their system of the harmful opiate toxins found in prescription painkillers. OxyContin detox can be difficult due to the withdrawal symptoms that may be experienced during the process. Uncomfortable though they may be, these withdrawal symptoms are an unavoidable part of the process. On the bright side, they don't last for very long (only a number of days depending upon the severity of the addiction) and once they are complete, the individual is that much closer to overcoming their physical addiction to OxyContin.

Once OxyContin detox is complete, the teen is ready to begin counseling. Individual, group and family counseling are all key opportunities for the addicted individual to learn the root causes behind their addiction - and begin to develop the life-skills needed to move forward and enjoy a long, fulfilling life.

Finally, aftercare programs help prepare the teen to re-enter their normal lives post-rehab. Every day can be filled with distractions and temptations as the adolescent takes it "day by day" and attempts to maintain their sobriety. Aftercare programs such as sober living, follow-up counseling and 12-step group meetings all attempt to make this transition as smooth and productive as possible.

What makes Teen OxyContin Treatment unique?

Teen OxyContin treatment programs are unique because they speak directly to those issues that impact the lives of young people (and potentially lead them to substance abuse and addiction). For example, a teen OxyContin addiction treatment program may include counseling sessions that deal with:

• Peer pressure
• Self-image issues
• Physical abuse issues
• School-related stress issues and more

If the teen were to enroll in an "adult" treatment program, there is a good chance that these issues would not be covered in depth, and consequently, the individual would not get the help they need.

Also, teen OxyContin treatment programs help the entire family through the addiction recovery process. It is common for family members to take part in regular counseling sessions that help them cope more effectively with the recovering addict, as well as learn how to be more loving and supportive in aid of the recovery process.

At Newport Academy we help teenagers and their families break the cycle of drug addiction once and for all. The caring staff at Newport Academy understands the unique needs of adolescents, and can craft a customized treatment plan that speaks directly to their individual situation. If your child has a problem with OxyContin, we urge you to contact us today.

If your teen has any of these symptoms or you suspect them of using OxyContin or other painkillers, please call Newport Academy immediately. We can assist your teen in getting appropriate treatment immediately.