Chris Mullin – Page 2 – Addiction Recovery Help in Spokane, Washington

August 17, 2018

Vivitrol: Cost, Side Effects, and Interactions

One of the biggest social problems of this century has had a treatment on the market since 2006, but only recently receiving its share of attention. That important tool in the addiction treatment toolkit is Vivitrol.

Addiction problems have caught the country’s attention as never before. According to federal statistics, by 2016 over a hundred people per day died from opioid-related issues and over 2 million had developed an opioid use disorder, but today doctors have more options than ever for treatment. Opioid addicts saturate emergency and health care services, pushing their capacity beyond the limit. Worse than the statistics are the stories of entire communities hollowed out by addiction as the medical community rises to confront the threat.

Vivitrol

The opioid crisis dates back to the 1990s when doctors ramped up prescriptions of powerful opioid pain medications, wrongly assured by experts that addiction would be a minor issue. Even in today’s more strict regulatory environment, pain medication prescriptions represent one of the more dangerous gateways into addiction. While many in the media and elsewhere have taken to using “opioid” as a catch-all term, opioid refers to synthetic drugs that act by design similarly to opiate drugs whose active ingredients come from the poppy plant.

Thankfully, medical science has worked to develop ways to break the cycle of addiction. One of the newest pieces in the anti-addiction toolkit is Vivitrol. It offers no miracle cure, however. Like any drug used to fight addiction, Vivitrol is most effective when patients follow directions and take it as part of a treatment regime that includes a doctor’s supervision and regular counseling.

What Is Vivitrol

Opioid and opiate-based medications dull pain by engaging the brain’s pain receptors. In addition to dulling the physical sensation of pain, this engagement also induces a “high” that can create feelings of euphoria or dull all physical and emotional responses. Addiction occurs when the brain becomes dependent on the drugs. Individuals grow dependent on the effects of the drug and could even manifest feelings of pain with no direct stimuli just to get the drug.

Vivitrol is a long release version of the addiction treatment drug naltrexone. Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2006, it acts as a blocking agent. It engages the same receptors in the brain as opioid and opiate drugs, but then occupies the “space” otherwise taken by those drugs. Opioid and opiate drugs can no longer dull the pain and will not make the user high.

When used in conjunction with a doctor’s supervision and regular counseling, Vivitrol can prove highly effective in keeping an addict from experiencing the effects of opioids and opiates. It also has proven useful in treating those who suffer from alcohol addiction.

Like any other drug in a medication-assisted treatment plan, users need to follow all directions carefully. Counseling is also necessary to address the psychological issues associated with addiction. No drug, not even Vivitrol, can cure addiction by itself.

The Vivitrol Shot

Vivitrol comes in a once a month, 380-milligram dose. It should only enter the body via gluteal intramuscular injection and even then, only from a medical professional trained specifically to administer the drug. The medical professional must take special care to not inject Vivitrol subcutaneously since this can increase the risk of painful reaction.

vivitrol Injection

The long release nature of Vivitrol allows it to effectively block receptors from opiate or opioid drug stimulation for a month. It can only work, however, when the patient’s system no longer has opioid or opiate drugs in it. The brain’s receptors must be clear so that the Vivitrol can occupy and block them from admitting opioids or opiates.

The Vivitrol shot should be used with care because it can react adversely with other addiction treatment drugs. Medical professionals must urge in no uncertain terms that patients about to undergo Vivitrol treatments be completely honest about drug or alcohol use prior to the injection. If the system has not been fully cleared of addictive drugs, Vivitrol can trigger severe symptoms of withdrawal. Doctors prescribing Vivitrol should do so with care because it could interact with opiate and opioid-based addiction treatment drugs.

Patients and medical professionals alike should study the possible side effects of Vivitrol and any other drug prior to use. This could prevent serious problems from going unnoticed.

Vivitrol Side Effects

One of the most important reasons why Vivitrol use should only be done under the supervision of a trained medical professional while following directions precisely is the side effects. These can range from unpleasant to dangerous.

First Vivitrol does block the brain from receiving stimulation from opioids or opiates, but it does not prevent those drugs from taking effect in different ways. Trying to take opioids or opiates to get a high while on Vivitrol will likely not produce the desired sensation, but can still cause coma or death as a result.

Vivitrol will not work properly if used while opioids or opiates remain in the system. This includes opiate based treatment drugs such as Suboxone and even cold medicines with codeine. For best results, the patient’s system should be free of opiate or opioid drugs for between seven and 14 days before taking Vivitrol. The combination could, however, produce immediate and unpleasant symptoms of opiate withdrawal.

Opiate Withdrawal

As Vivitrol wears off, usually around a month after injection, opioid and opiate drugs will create normal physical and other effects. Users should understand, however, that their tolerance will have dropped in that month. If they use drugs in the same amounts or rates as before treatment, they could overdose and die.

Side effects can also occur at the site of injection and these can produce serious and painful symptoms. Patients should inform their doctor if they experience pain at the point of injection, swelling, a hard feeling on the skin, blisters, an open wound that will not heal, or a dark scab. If symptoms do not disappear after two weeks, call the doctor.

Vivitrol in some rare cases can cause liver damage or even hepatitis. If a patient experiences unexplained stomach pain over a few days or more, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes, and/or fatigue, these could be signs of the onset of liver damage and the patient should speak to his or her doctor immediately.

Other common side effects include:

Vision difficulties
Racing heartbeat
Difficulty breathing or wheezing
Mood swings and/or hallucinations
Ear pain or ringing
Anxiety, nervousness, or irritability
Increased thirst
Impotence or inability for a male to climax

Patients who experience side effects such as racing heartbeat, breathing problems, or symptoms related to liver problems should contact a doctor immediately. All of these could be signs of serious problems.

Vivitrol can also produce a range of allergic reactions in some patients, especially different types of discomfort and symptoms at the site of injection.

While some of these symptoms may also stem from the weaning process, patients should contact their doctor if they experience these or other unusual problems.

Vivitrol Versus Suboxone

Suboxone works in a similar way to Vivitrol but has received more criticism. Like methadone, Suboxone is a less potent opioid that engages the brain receptors. It does, however, produce a much less powerful reaction. The theory behind Suboxone and other similar medications is that it represents part of a stepping down process from highly potent drugs such as OxyContin or heroin.

Critics, however, claim that Suboxone hurts more than it helps. Since it is also an opioid, many claim that its use merely represents substituting one addictive opioid for another. Suboxone is an opioid and works the same way as opioids and opiates. Quitting “cold turkey” from Suboxone, once treatment ends, can produce unpleasant and even sometimes dangerous withdrawal side effects. Suboxone also does not require full detoxification before treatment.

Suboxone’s advantage lies in the fact that it does come at a much lower cost per dose than Vivitrol at this point.

Vivitrol, however, offers advantages as well. It treats the addiction directly by going after the physiological target in the brain. It blocks receptors and does not permit opioids or opiates to engage. Most importantly, since Vivitrol is not an opioid or opiate, it does not produce the high, nor do patients develop addiction the way they may with Suboxone.

Another benefit of Vivitrol lies in its long-term effects. Much of the opioid crisis centers in rural and remote regions without many legitimate clinics for treatment. Rural residents may find treatment easier and more convenient with Vivitrol versus the orally taken Suboxone. Also, there is a much smaller chance of forgetting to take the medication from one day to the next.

A study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that the effectiveness of the two drugs was roughly equivalent when the medication was prescribed and used as directed. The main criticism of Vivitrol lay in the fact that a patient must be completely clean before using. In some studies, patients relapsed before they could start their Vivitrol regimen. This would suggest that Vivitrol treatment might be optimal in a more closed treatment setting, such as a recovery center or even jail or prison.

Is Vivitrol an Agonist

Drug addiction treatment medications fall into two categories, agonist and antagonist. Agonist drugs mimic the action of the brain’s neurotransmitter. Addictive drugs engage the dopamine neurotransmitter, which can create feelings of euphoria or the “high.” Direct agonists engage the transmitter itself while indirect agonists affect the number of transmitters affected.

Antagonist drugs bind themselves to neurotransmitter receptors, preventing any binding with substances such as opioids. Neurotransmitters do not have a chance to be either produced or released.

Neurotransmitters

Because Vivitrol attaches itself to receptors and blocks any other substance from binding, it is commonly considered an antagonist medication.

How Often Can You Get a Vivitrol Shot

The first Vivitrol shot should come between seven and 14 days after opioids or opiates have left the system. If opioid or opiates are present in the body after injection, this could spark powerful withdrawal symptoms. From the date of the first injection, each subsequent shot should come every four weeks until treatment is completed. Experts recommend that medical professionals injecting Vivitrol alternate buttocks with each injection to reduce the chance of adverse reactions.

Since Vivitrol is neither an opioid nor an opiate, patients do not have to step down their dosage at the end of treatment. Addiction experts advise, however, that patients continue to adhere to a recommended psychological or psychiatric counseling regimen to help strengthen the addict against relapse.

Can You Get Hepatitis From Vivitrol

While hepatitis is listed as a rare and possible side effect of Vivitrol and its active ingredient of naltrexone, the National Institutes of Health claim that the connection is not clear. According to their website overview of naltrexone, “the role of the medication in the liver injury has not always been clear and there has been no clear description of the clinical features of the injury. Thus, while often considered hepatotoxic, naltrexone has not been definitively linked to cases of clinically apparent liver injury.”

The overview went on to say that naltrexone is rapidly processed by the liver into inactive forms. Some experts suggest that liver disease reports may have come from the use of naltrexone on alcoholics who may already have damaged their liver pretreatment.

Although the link between Vivitrol and hepatitis has never been scientifically proven, most consider it prudent to list it as a possible side effect due to the serious nature of hepatitis and other liver diseases.

Contact Us

Riverside Recovery Center serves as one of the premier addiction treatment centers in northwest Washington state. For over two decades, its medical professionals and staff have implemented caring and effective treatment protocols to help individuals overcome a wide variety of addictions to lead a more productive and healthy life. The staff at Riverside Recovery Center understand that each patient is an individual, and as such will receive a specialized treatment plan that addresses their particular needs and issues.

If you or a family member have started down the slow-motion tragedy of addiction, help is as close as a phone or an email. Reach out to Riverside Recovery Center today.

July 26, 2018July 27, 2018

Medication Assisted Treatment | Everything You Need To Know

Medication Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an approach that many doctors use to treat substance addictions, particularly to opioids, like heroin and many prescription medications. Many doctors believe this style of treatment to be more effective than non-medicated detoxification options, but there are those on the other side of the argument as well, saying that this is just replacing one drug with another. Here’s what you need to know about MAT to help you determine if it is right for you.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

MAT involves the use of various medications to help treat substance abuse disorders. In most cases, the medication is combined with behavioral therapy to help reduce the chance that the patient will relapse, turning back to drugs again in the future. This style of treatment is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in patients suffering from substance addiction.

Several different medications are commonly used in MAT. We will discuss them in greater detail later in this article. These medications are designed to help reduce drug cravings and mitigate the negative symptoms of substance withdrawal.

For many patients, substance addiction is not their only medical problem; many of them have other conditions as well, including HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis and more. Because of this, detoxifying without medication can be incredibly dangerous. As their bodies are already weakened by other medical issues, the difficult detox process can be too much for their systems to handle. This can result in further complications, up to and including death.

Using medication to assist in the detoxification process can make it much easier for the patient. After the detox is complete, the patient must return to the clinic for future doses. However, with ongoing treatment, patients have a much better chance of beating their opioid addictions and going on to live healthy, happy lives.

The behavioral component of MAT involves individual or group therapy to help patients identify the causes that drove them to use opioids and other drugs in the first place. By determining these triggers, the patients are better equipped to avoid them going forward. These sessions also teach patients healthier ways of coping with their problems, like exercise, meditation and other techniques. Of course, it is a constant uphill battle to recover from addiction, but the combination of medication and behavioral therapy shows great promise.

What Substance Addictions Is Medication-Assisted Treatment Used to Treat?

MAT is most commonly used to treat opioid addictions. This can include substances like:

Oxycontin

Heroin
Synthetic opioids (Fentanyl)
OxyContin
Morphine
Vicodin
Codeine
And many other prescription pain relievers.

Of course, there are many other opioids than it would make sense to list here, but those above are some of the most commonly used and abused. Although opioid addiction is the most common use of MAT, this style of treatment can also be used to treat alcoholism and to help people quit smoking cigarettes, among other uses.

Is There Evidence That Medication-Assisted Treatment Works?

Thus far, MAT has been shown to be remarkably effective in treating substance abuse and addiction. Many medical experts consider this type of treatment to be the gold standard of addiction treatment, including the Health and Human Services Secretary, Alex Azar. He said, “Failing to offer MAT is like treating an infection without antibiotics.”

Many patients who go through MAT can remain clean for years on end. Because the medications used in the treatment help to quell cravings, these patients are far less likely to go back to their previous vices than their counterparts who go through treatment without relapse-prevention medications. NPR reports that more than 90 percent of patients who detox naturally will relapse at some point in the future.

Although there is not much data yet on the effectiveness of MAT in preventing relapses, doctors across the country are singing its praises, saying that they see huge differences in their patients on these types of programs. As more and more patients engage in MAT, it is likely that the positive results will continue flowing in.

What Are the Drawbacks of Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Of course, MAT is not without barriers to its success. One of the key issues in this area is that the patients must come back on a regular basis for treatments. For those who struggle with addiction, it can seem easier to purchase drugs on the street than to go through all of the medical protocols required for MAT. The more frequently a patient has to come back for a new dose, the more likely they are to abandon treatment and relapse.

In the past, patients had to visit a clinic every day to get their medication, making this treatment method incredibly challenging. More recent developments have introduced injections that the patients only need once a month. This makes it much easier for patients to continue to comply with the program.

In addition to making it easier for patients to keep up with their treatment schedules, these monthly injections also make it easier to get the medications to the areas most in need, particularly rural ones. Treatment options in these areas, often the hardest hit by the opioid crisis, are typically few and far between, making it difficult for patients to get the treatment they need. When they only have to travel to a clinic once a month, it is much easier, especially if the closest treatment facility is a long distance away.

Adding to the complications of MAT is the fact that only about one-third of addiction treatment programs in the United States provide this service. This is quite abysmal when you realize that more than 4 million people in this country alone are addicted to opioids. Worldwide, that number is even higher. The opioid crisis continues to make headlines on an almost daily basis, and it is showing no signs of slowing down until everyone who needs treatment can access this vital service.

In addition, Medicare does not currently cover access to most opioid addiction medications, meaning that seniors who are on the program will have to cover the costs themselves.

Medicare

This puts added strain on this already-vulnerable segment of the population, making it harder than ever for them to access the care they need. Although Medicare does cover buprenorphine, there are not many Medicare doctors who offer this service to their patients.

In a recent address, Azar vowed to work to expand access to MAT across the country. In addition to opening more clinics and introducing the treatment method in more of the existing treatment facilities, he also intends to collaborate with the FDA to create even longer-acting medications than the current one-month injections. By expanding access and making the treatments last longer, the hope is that addiction rates, hospitalizations and deaths will drop going forward.

What Medications Are Used in Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Today, four medications are commonly used in MAT:

Methadone – Methadone is the most well-known of opioid addiction treatments. It comes in a liquid form and must be taken daily at a specialty clinic. This type of treatment prevents withdrawal symptoms, but it does not block the effects of other narcotics that the patient might be taking on the side, limiting its efficacy.

Methadone

Naltrexone – Naltrexone is known as an opioid antagonist. This means that it blocks the effects of narcotics, minimizing the risk of overdose, even if the patient continues to use drugs while undergoing the treatment. It comes in pill form, and the pill must be taken every day. It is also available as a monthly injection. This type of medication is non-addictive, making it suitable for use in treating substance addicts.
Buprenorphine – Buprenorphine is one of the newest addiction treatment medications on the market, and it is rapidly growing in popularity. Like Naltrexone, it is an opioid antagonist, blocking the effects of other narcotics. However, what sets buprenorphine apart is that it also diminishes withdrawal symptoms, providing a comprehensive approach to treating substance addiction. There are several options for taking the medication, including a daily pill, a cheek film and a six-month under-skin implant.
Suboxone – Suboxone is a variation of buprenorphine, combined with naloxone. The buprenorphine portion minimizes the effect of cravings without giving the user the high that they get from other opioids. The naloxone component blocks opioid receptors, preventing the user from overdosing and making it less likely that they will abuse the drug. This type of medication is available in pill form and also as a dissolving film. It must be taken daily.

Other medications are sometimes used in MAT, but these are the ones that have been approved by the FDA thus far. Every patient is different, and they respond to medications in different ways. Your doctor or addiction treatment specialist will work with you to find the best treatment method to meet your needs.

Why Is There Such a Stigma Associated with Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Despite the positive response to MAT, there are still those who speak out against it. Tom Price, the Health and Human Services Secretary before Azar, said, “If we’re just substituting one opioid for another, we’re not moving the dial much.” Many other medical professionals share this sentiment. Those on this side of the argument believe that using medication as part of addiction treatment is only giving the patient a new, albeit healthier and safer, addiction.

Besides, many patients are reluctant to seek this type of treatment, echoing the ideas of MAT’s opponents. When people are in recovery from addiction, they don’t want to stand in line at a treatment facility every day to get their medication.

Standing in line

Because their goal is to be drug-free, this process can seem a bit counterintuitive.

However, the evidence has shown time and time again that straight abstinence treatment programs are not nearly as effective as MAT. In addition to expanding treatment options, the current goal of MAT proponents must be to change the public perception around this type of treatment method. As the stigma is lifted, it is likely that more individuals who suffer from substance addiction will come forward to get the treatment they need.

Opioid addiction is one of the only medical conditions in which doctors keep trying the same methods over and over again, even if they are failing to be effective. With any other disease, if a particular treatment doesn’t work, doctors will try alternative methods. Opioid addiction should be no different. It will take a concerted effort on the part of doctors, pharmaceutical companies, and addiction treatment specialists to remove the stigma surrounding this vital treatment method.

Learn More About MAT

Only you can make the final decision as to which type of addiction treatment is right for you. Of course, your doctor or addiction treatment specialist can help guide you in this process and provide you with the information you need. In the end, however, it is up to you to commit to your recovery, whatever shape that takes.

Here at the Riverside Recovery Center, we provide both MAT and non-medicated treatment options to help you battle your addiction. We incorporate individual and group therapy sessions to help you learn the tools and techniques you need to have the best chance at being successful in your recovery.

We welcome you to get in touch with us to learn more about our addiction treatment options. We’ll provide you with a free consultation to discuss your needs and preferences so that we can devise a customized treatment program for you. We are proud of the success that many of our patients have had after completing our programs, and we would love the chance to add you to that number.

If you are struggling with opioid addiction, rest assured that you are not alone. We are here to help. Reach out to us today to get started. Entering into a substance addiction treatment program is the first step on your path to recovery so don’t delay in making one of the most important decisions of your life. We are ready to help whenever you are ready to receive it.

July 20, 2018July 20, 2018

Signs of Drug Use in Teens | 15 Warning Signs to Look out For

Like any parent, you hope that your teen will be happy and healthy. However, many teens choose to experiment with drugs and alcohol during their formative years, so it is important to be aware of the most common signs of drug use in teens. While there is no guarantee that one of these signs on its own indicates drug use, a combination of several warning factors could signify a problem. Here are 15 of the most common signs of drug use in teens that you should watch for.

Signs of Drug Use in Teens

1 – Changes in Speech Patterns

Pay attention to any changes in the way your teen speaks. If you notice that they are suddenly speaking much faster or slower than they normally do, drugs could be the culprit. Uppers, like cocaine and methamphetamines, can make a user seem hyperactive, often speaking at a rapid, manic pace. Downers, like marijuana and heroin, can cause slow, lazy speech. Slurred speech is a common sign of alcohol consumption or the abuse of some prescription medications. Of course, a single instance of different speech patterns doesn’t necessarily mean that your teen is using drugs. They could just be especially excited or tired. Look for ongoing patterns over time to get a better sense of the cause.

2 – Bloodshot or Glazed Eyes

Alcohol and many drugs, both prescription and illicit, can cause physical changes to the user’s body, and the eyes are often the first giveaways. In many users, you’ll notice that their eyes look bloodshot, glazed over or heavy-lidded. It is possible that these signs could mean that your teen is just overtired from a heavy schoolwork load or is suffering from seasonal allergies, so again, watch out for patterns over time, and be alert for other possible signs of drug use.

3 – Increased Secrecy

Teen secrets

Teenagers are not known for being open and forthcoming, especially with their parents. As they grow older and more independent, they typically become increasingly concerned with privacy. In general, this is just part of growing up and is no cause for concern. However, if you notice that your teen has suddenly taken to spending all of their time in their bedroom with the door locked and is nervous and evasive when you ask what they are doing in there all day, you may need to be extra vigilant. Do your best to let your teen enjoy the privilege of privacy while still keeping tabs on what they are up to.

4 – Changes in Friends

The teenage years are the time for a young person to carve out a personal identity, discover their passions and become an adult. As a result of this crucial process, your teen may find that they no longer have as much in common with their childhood friends as they used to. In this stage of their lives, many teens make new friends, letting old friendships languish. Although it is sad to say goodbye to old friends, this is all part of growing up. However, this process usually happens gradually, not overnight. If your teen is suddenly blowing off long-term friends in favor of hanging out with a new crowd, there is likely a reason behind the abrupt change. It could be that the new circle of friends uses drugs, and the old friends do not approve.

5 – Loss of Interest in Favorite Activities

Similarly to the previous example, many teens go through changes in their activities during this stage of life as well. As they are exposed to more opportunities, they may find new activities that they prefer over their past hobbies. When this becomes a problem, though, is when your teen no longer wants to participate in any extracurricular activities, whether they be sports, music, reading or other pursuits. It is normal to want to drop some activities, but not all of them all at once. Talk to your teen to find out what is behind the change in preferences, and encourage them to continue at least some activities, even if they want to drop a few.

6 – Changes in Sleep Habits

Teen Insomnia

It is quite common for teens to sleep half the day away on the weekends when they don’t have to go to school. Academic rigors, combined with extracurricular activities and hormonal changes, can leave your teen feeling exhausted by the end of the week. It is perfectly fine to let your teen sleep in from time to time, but if you notice drastic changes, you may want to take a closer look. If your teen is suddenly staying up all night or getting up super early in the morning, they may be using drugs when no one else is awake. As with many of the other signs on this list, be on the lookout for ongoing patterns, not single instances.

7 – Stealing Around the House

Teens like to test boundaries to determine what they can and cannot get away with, and that sometimes includes stealing. The occasional $20 bill missing from your wallet, while undesirable, is likely nothing to be concerned about, but if this happens frequently, it could indicate that your teen is fueling a drug habit. Keep an eye out for missing items around the house as well, particularly valuable ones, as your teen could be selling them for money with which to buy drugs. If your teen is constantly asking for spending money and you have no evidence of where that money is going, it could be going to drugs.

8 – Changes in School Performance

Many teenagers, especially those in their final years of high school, experience burnout due to the increasing rigors of the college prep curriculum. Because of this, it is common for them to let their grades begin to slip a little bit as they near the end of adolescence. As a parent, it is your job to teach your teen to dig in and work hard, even when their motivation is waning. While occasional lapses in motivation are to be expected, it is cause for concern if your straight-A student is suddenly failing classes. This goes far beyond a typical case of “senioritis.”

9 – Rapid Weight Changes

Rapid Weight Loss

Many drugs can affect appetite, so be watchful for major changes in your teen’s weight. For a teen in the normal weight range for their height, small fluctuations are nothing to worry about and can likely be chalked up to puberty. However, if your teen has suddenly lost a large amount of weight, leaving him or her looking frail and overly thin, drugs could be a factor. Of course, eating disorders and other psychological conditions can also contribute to rapid weight loss, as can a number of medical conditions, so it is important to explore all possibilities before assuming that drugs are to blame.

10 – Unusual Odors

Marijuana, alcohol, and cigarettes can leave a lasting odor, even hours after consumption, so be on the lookout for these smells when your teen comes home after hanging out with friends. While it is possible that your teen chose not to partake, even though others in the group were using, this is likely just an excuse. Many teens use their friends as scapegoats to hide their own actions, so be aware of this possibility. Take note, as well, if your teen has suddenly taken to wearing copious amounts of perfume or cologne. While this could be a misguided attempt to impress a possible love interest, it could also be to mask the smell of other things.

11 – Poor Personal Hygiene

When someone is in the throes of an addiction, no matter what their age, personal hygiene is often one of the first things to go. When someone is addicted to alcohol or drugs, things like brushing their teeth and washing their hair lose importance, fading under the all-consuming draw of the drugs. Many teens are quite concerned with their physical appearance, especially if they are trying to impress potential romantic partners, so a sudden drop in personal hygiene could signal a larger issue.

12 – Memory Issues

Memory Loss

Everyone forgets things every once in a while, especially when busy, so occasional memory lapses are usually no reason to worry. However, if you notice that your teen is frequently forgetting things you told them just hours ago or is unable to recall entire days or nights, drugs or alcohol may be the culprit. Some prescription medications can cause memory loss as well, so be sure to check with your teen’s doctor to rule out any other possible causes for this problem.

13 – Unexplained Injuries

While under the influence, your teen may sustain unusual or unexplained injuries. This could be because they engage in especially risky behavior while under the influence, or it could be that they are using drugs to the point where they lose basic motor control, resulting in injuries. In some cases, they may not even remember how the injury occurred. If your teen is evasive or confused when you ask about a particular injury, they could be hiding that drugs or alcohol were involved.

14 – Frequent Illness

Abusing drugs or alcohol can wreak havoc on the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off common illnesses, like colds and the flu. If your teen is normally healthy but has suddenly become more prone to illness, drugs could be playing a role. Of course, there are many other factors that can diminish immune function, so take the time to take your teen to the doctor to check for any underlying medical conditions or other possible causes.

15 – Presence of Drugs or Drug Paraphernalia

Meth Pipe

This is the most obvious indicator that your teen is using drugs. If you find things like pipes, rolling papers, syringes or burnt spoons in your teen’s room, it is very likely that your teen is partaking. It is possible that your teen is just “hiding it for a friend,” but it is more likely that that is just an excuse. We’re not suggesting that you go through all of your teen’s belongings, but keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary while you are cleaning the bedroom or putting away laundry.

Identifying Drug or Alcohol Abuse

Before you immediately jump to the conclusion that your teen is using drugs or alcohol, make the effort to talk to them about it. The better the relationship that you have with your teen, the easier this process will be. If there is an aunt, uncle or other family member that your teen is especially close with, tusehat person may have better luck getting them to open up.

The important thing is to approach the conversation in a compassionate manner, not an accusatory one. You want your teen to feel comfortable talking to you about drugs and alcohol, not become defensive and withdraw even further. Take the time to listen as much as you talk to find out what is going on in your teen’s life. The more you know, the better you will be able to recognize the warning signs of drug use in teens.

Get Your Teen the Help They Need

If you determine that your teen is, in fact, abusing drugs or alcohol, it is important to seek help right away. Because teens’ brains are still developing, they are more prone to falling victim to addiction than any other age group. The sooner you can intervene, the better their chances of recovery.

Here at the Riverside Recovery Center, we have helped countless teens and adults get on the path to recovery so that they can go on to live meaningful, fulfilling lives, without the use of drugs or alcohol. We welcome you to get in touch with us to learn more about our rehabilitation programs and how we can help your teen kick bad habits and become healthy once more. Reach out today to schedule an appointment for a free consultation with one of our expert drug and alcohol therapists. Rest assured, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

April 10, 2017April 10, 2017

JOHN C. COONEY

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To Whom It May Concern:

As a former prosecutor, District Court judge, and defense attorney, I have seen numerous alcohol treatment programs come and go in the Spokane area. I have also observed a very few remain and serve the community. Riverside Recovery Center is one of the latter.

I have referred numerous clients and friends to Riverside Recovery and have always noticed the same high level of professionalism and confidence in treatment delivered by their diligent staff. They are available for immediate evaluations and potential treatment. All of Riverside Recovery’s paperwork to court, family, and attorneys is always timely and professionally prepared.

Sincerely,

JOHN C. COONEY
Attorney at Law
JCC/bt