Teen Heroin Addiction

Most teens don't start using heroin expecting to develop a teen heroin addiction problem. While most teens probably see their heroin use as a casual way to have fun, there are negative effects that result from use and abuse such a dangerous drug. The biggest consequence to casual heroin use can be that it develops into teen heroin addiction. Very few addicts recognize when they have crossed the line from casual use to addiction.

With the recent proliferation of prescription opioid painkillers, opiate use has become far more domesticated and widespread than ever before. Because of drugs like OxyContin and Vicodin, more people are familiar with the effects of opioid medications, which, by extension, makes heroin seem less scary and not so exotic. Many people, including teenagers, no longer associate heroin with the horror stories of overdose and crippling addiction. Instead, they associate it more and more with those relatively safe and familiar prescription drugs. The result is that, for young people especially, prescription opioids can act as gateway drugs and lead to teen heroin addiction.

For parents of teens, there is a strong chance that your teen will be exposed heroin and other dangerous drugs. There is also a good change that your teen will try drugs according to drug statistics from the National Institute on Drug. Research has shown that: Teens who smoke cigarettes are more likely to drink alcohol. Teens that smoke and drink are more likely to use marijuana. Teens that use all three are more likely to use other illicit drugs.

There were an estimated 104,000 new users of heroin in 1999. This number of new initiates is similar to the number in 1998 (140,000). Comparisons for youth and young adults show no statistically significant difference between the 1998 and 1999 numbers of new initiates. The number of new initiates among those aged 18 to 25 (53,000) was larger than the number among those aged 12 to 17 (34,000), as has been the historic pattern.

Heroin and other drugs kill the pain of an ordinary mundane life. They destroy the physical and emotional pain by changing the addict's perception of reality. In a way, heroin helps the teen addict feel numb to their pain, unhappiness, or the hopelessness that their life has become.

Teen heroin addiction is a loss of control combined with the compulsive use of heroin. This is coupled with the inability to stop using heroin despite the fact that using is causing problems with one's life. Teen heroin addiction often means physical and/or psychological dependence of heroin.

If your family is suffering with teen heroin addiction, using the tips below can provide you with guidance on how to proceed. The sooner you can recognize that your child or your friend is abusing heroin, the sooner you can seek help. If you notice changes in behavior, changes in friends, lying about after school or weekend activities, changes in mood, or depression, your teen might have a problem with heroin abuse. If your child has a teen heroin addiction problem, talk to them about it and encourage them to get help. Addiction treatment programs specializing in teens can help your child build a strong foundation for long-term recovery.

When it comes to handling your child's teen heroin addiction don't be afraid to be open-minded and honest. This is what family unity is all about. Talk about how you feel. You may be worried, scared, and frightened. When you talk to your teen, try not to be judgmental or angry because your child will probably have a defensive reaction. Talk about what you have personally observed. Instead of making judgments or discussing rumors, seek the truth.

Also, timing is important. Find a safe time where you can talk freely with your teenager. Trust your instincts. If you feel that a member of your family is in trouble, there is probably a reason you feel this way. This is not wrong; it only shows that you are concerned.

Only by acknowledging that there is a problem can you finally begin an earnest search for the help that your family needs to heal and recover from the ravages of teen heroin addiction. Don't give up! If your first attempt to help your child doesn't have the desired effect that you have hoped for, don't be discouraged. Try a different approach and find help from a professional who specializes in serving youth to make meaningful choices.