The sooner addicts and alcoholics receive addiction treatment, the better. The longer the disease of addiction is neglected, the more severe the outcomes. Which is why it’s absolutely paramount that teenagers and young adults who are touched by the disease get assistance early on.

Most Americans might have a hard time grasping the realities of addiction. They have a hard time understanding that the disease has no age restrictions. The fact that mental illness cares little about where one comes from: rich or poor, black or white, educated or not. Addiction can touch the lives of anyone who finds themselves unable to live life on life’s terms. And it can be fatal to anyone who cannot access addiction treatment.

At no other time in our history have the realities of addiction been clearer, especially in the U.S. America makes up only a small percentage of the human population, but consumes the market share of the world’s opioids. It matters not if the drugs were prescribed by a doctor, diverted from another or be heroin acquired from dealers. Any form of opioid is addictive. Any form can lead to premature death by way of an overdose. Current estimates indicate that around 142 people die in the U.S. every day from overdoses. Some of whom are not even old enough to buy a pack of cigarettes or a beer.

Caught In The Crosshairs of Opioid Addiction

“The public and the media tend to think of our opioid addiction epidemic as having a greater impact on teens. But the reality is that older Americans, 20-year-olds to 80-year-olds, have been hit much harder,” said Dr. Andrew Kolodny, executive director of Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing and co-director of opioid policy research at Brandeis University.

Those at the greatest risk of opioid addiction and overdose death are not teenagers. But, that does not mean that young people are being spared. The National Center for Health Statistics found that teen drug overdose deaths rose 19% from 2014 to 2015. These were American teenagers between the age of 15 and 19. The death rate in 2015 was commonly linked to heroin.

The findings are a sign that young people are experimenting with this dangerous family of drugs. Highlighting the continued need to step up prevention methods. Educating parents about the dangers of not keeping opioids in the house locked up. A significant percentage of opioid initiation involves diverted medication from friend or family members.

Spotting the signs of addiction early on can make all the difference. If your teenage child is exhibiting strange behavior, or appears extra-tired, frequently it could mean something is up. People abusing opioids often have constricted pupils or nod off in the act of engagement. If your teenage son or daughter fits that description, it is likely that they need help. Intervening early on can be the difference between life and death.

Older Americans have higher opioid addiction and overdose rates. But, young people who do not get addiction treatment will likely not survive to see old age.

Addiction Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

With help, young adults can find recovery early on, moving on to living fulfilling lives. Do you feel that your loved one has started down a path towards addiction, or is in fact already addicted? If so, please contact Immersion Recovery Center immediately. The deadly potential of opioids dictates that time is not on anyone’s side. Putting off addiction treatment could mean tragedy, sooner rather than later.