In their journey from childhood innocence to the complexities of adulthood, teenagers encounter a whirlwind of challenges. From the relentless pressure of academics to navigating the physical changes in their bodies, their path is fraught with obstacles. Amidst all the challenges, comes the threat of drug overdose, which has been on the rise among teens.
Once considered an unthinkable fate, drug overdose is an alarming reality today, its shadow looming larger with each passing year. Statistics paint a bleak picture of substance misuse among adolescents, indicating a crisis that demands urgent attention.
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report highlights the growing number of drug overdose deaths among teenagers in the United States. According to it, the overdose death rate among teens increased by 109% between 2019-2021.
In 2021 alone, over 108,000 adolescents lost their lives to drug overdose. About 90% of these deaths involved opioids, while the rest were triggered by Illicitly Manufactured Fentanyl (IMFs) and counterfeit pills.
Our goal today is to explore the trend of teen drug overdose by breaking down the substances they misuse most commonly and outlining their consequences. Let’s get started.
Commonly Used Substances Among Teenagers
Teenagers today have access to a wide range of substances, both legal and illegal, that pose significant risks to their health and well-being. To prevent this undue misuse at the hands of teens, we must first address these substances and the threat they pose.
Prescription Drugs
Most teens access prescription drugs like opioids, stimulants, and benzodiazepines from the medicine cabinets at their homes. Others easily find it circulated in their circle at school or in the neighborhood.
Among the most common prescription drugs that are misused by adolescents are OxyContin, Vicodin (opioid drugs), Adderall, Xanax, Ritalin, and Valium. The frequent consumption of opioid-based medications can cause Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), which can lead to severe physical and mental complications in the victims.
Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication to treat OUD. TruLaw notes that it has played a pivotal role in ridding the United States of its brutal opioid epidemic by helping countless OUD victims.
While effective at its job, Suboxone was later known to subject its consumers to other health issues, which mainly revolved around deteriorating dental health. The acidic nature of the medication led many of them to suffer from tooth decay, gum injuries, cavities, and more.
In light of these issues, many people have filed a Suboxone lawsuit against its manufacturers for failing to warn about these side effects. Indivior Inc., Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Aquestive Therapeutics Inc. are companies currently facing the lawsuit.
Illicit Drugs (Marijuana, Cocaine, Ecstasy)
Despite the illegal nature of illicit drugs, it’s not difficult for teens to acquire them at a price today. Marijuana, which has been legalized in some areas, remains a commonly misused drug among teens.
Cocaine – a powerful euphoria-producing stimulant – comes at a close second, used by teenagers to exploit its performance-enhancing effects. Finally, ecstasy is the third illicit drug most popular among adolescents. This synthetic drug is known to alter one’s mood and perception and is a well-known “party drug” among the high-school crowd.
As alluring as these drugs might sound at first, their downsides are fatal. Smoking marijuana is bad for your lungs, while cocaine can lead to heart problems. Ecstasy, on the other hand, can cause overheating, dehydration, and even trigger life-threatening serotonin syndrome in some users.
Vaping (e-Cigarettes)
Vaping – the use of electronic cigarettes – has skyrocketed among teens in recent years. The appeal of flavored e-liquids and sleek vape devices attracts adolescents, who are blinded to the potential threats they hold.
E-cigarettes deliver nicotine and other harmful chemicals in an aerosol form. These chemicals not only cause adverse health effects but can also make you an addict in no time.
The American Heart Association has linked vaping to severe mental health problems among adolescents. A news article published in the association’s newsroom highlighted that frequent vapers between ages 13 and 24 were more likely to have suicidal thoughts. The users also struggled with anxiety and depressive symptoms.
The study referenced in the article also found that half of the THC vapers reportedly started vaping to feel less depressed. It is most unfortunate how their young, vulnerable minds are so easy to influence, especially when it comes to substance misuse.
Consequences of Drug Overdose in Teenagers
Having discussed the ill effects of substance misuse already, it should come as no surprise that the consequences of their overdose can be fatal. A news article published by Fox News earlier this year revealed just as much.
According to the article, it was found that drug overdose ranked third among the leading causes of death for adolescents in the US. In 2022, a total of 1,125 US teens died of drug overdose. At least 75% of these deaths were caused by fentanyl poisoning. This death rate, growing at a disturbing pace, has doubled since 2018.
Besides death, other immediate risks of drug overdose include organ failure, respiratory depression, cognitive impairments, and brain damage due to oxygen deprivation.
Drug overdose can also trigger and worsen mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Survivors might also develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Substance-induced psychiatric disorders can persist even after drug use has stopped.
The social and behavioral aftermath of a drug overdose on adolescents can be profound. They’re vulnerable to facing stigma and discrimination, leading to social isolation and difficulties in forming healthy relationships. They might also struggle with impulsivity, aggression, and poor decision-making, making it hard for them to reintegrate into society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the causes of drug misuse among youth?
The earliest influence of drugs among youth is often found to have come from the family. Factors like family dysfunction, parental neglect, and divorce are major contributors to adolescents’ early exposure to drugs and are likely to lead to their misuse.
Which age group is most affected by drug overdose?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the age group between 35 and 44 is most affected by drug overdose and the resulting death cases. Between 2021-2022, the drug overdose death rate among the 15-34 age group decreased, increasing in people who were 35 and older instead.
Which medicine can reverse a drug overdose?
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose of opioids, including fentanyl, heroin, and other prescription opioid medications. However, for overdoses involving substances other than opioids, such as benzodiazepines or stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine, different treatments may be necessary.
To conclude, we can say that the rising threat of drug overdose in teens is a pressing concern threatening our future generation. The growing prevalence of drug usage among adolescents demands immediate attention and action. If not addressed carefully and comprehensively, it can push the entire nation into a bleak, unending darkness.
