Prescription Drug Use & Children

Drugs act on the same reward pathways in the brain that are commonly associated with hunger and sex (i.e. pleasure responses). However, drugs impact the effect of dopamine, the neurotransmitter involved in these processes, significantly more than natural. Despite this medical understanding of the mechanisms of addiction, the disease still faces a lot of stigma in the United States, with a significant lack of education about the disease and access to care.

Add to this the fact that tolerance to the drug increases with consistent use, meaning that users have to take ever-increasing amounts of the drug to feel the same effects. This, when combined with the withdrawal symptoms that users feel when they stop taking the drug, leads to many people being trapped in a cycle where it is incredibly difficult to break free of addiction without intervention.

Prescription drug use, specifically, was responsible for over 16,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. between 2019 and 2020, according to the National Health Institute. In that previous survey, nearly 24 percent of teens reported taking an illicit prescription drug.

While there are a variety of factors that affect drug use, the following are the most likely:

• Peer pressure, or wanting to fit in.
• A lack of awareness about the risks of abuse.
• Self-medication for a mental health issue.
• Ease of access
• A misconception that pain killers are not addictive.

Educating your child about the dangers of prescription drug misuse is the first preventative step. If they are suffering from an addiction, joining a program at Briarwood Detox Center might be the first step toward recovery.

At Briarwood Detox Center our licensed treatment professionals are trained to recognize and treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. They provide 24/7 support and administer medication as needed to ensure your comfort and success in detox.

Our counselors and recovery specialists also offer emotional support as you experience the difficult emotions and cravings that come along with the alcohol withdrawal process. Research has shown that immediately after detoxing, a person is at high risk for relapse. [2] To address this risk, we will help you manage the discomfort and prepare you for additional treatment in a residential rehab or intensive outpatient rehab so that you can continue with your recovery in a supportive space. Once you’ve completed an alcohol detox program, our staff will provide referrals to rehab programs that will give you the best chance at achieving sustained, long-term sobriety.

If you’re ready to get help with overcoming your alcohol addiction, we offer alcohol detox programs in Austin and Houston. Call (866) 710-7710 to speak with an admissions representative or contact us online today.

Understanding prescription drug misuse is just one piece of the recovery puzzle. Briarwood Detox Center offers comprehensive resources to help you or a loved one navigate the path to sobriety:

• Drug Detox: Understanding the Process and Finding Support — A complete overview of what to expect during medically supervised detox and how professional care makes withdrawal safer and more comfortable.
• The Importance of Seeking Professional Drug Detox in Austin, Texas — Learn why attempting detox alone can be dangerous and how expert medical oversight improves outcomes.
• Understanding the Importance of Drug Detox in Addiction Treatment Centers — Discover how detox serves as the critical first step in long-term addiction recovery.
• After Drug Detox: Continued Support and Ongoing Treatment — Explore the care continuum beyond detox and how ongoing support prevents relapse.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with prescription drug misuse or any substance use disorder, help is available. Contact Briarwood Detox Center at (866) 710-7710 to speak with an admissions specialist about our medically supervised detox programs in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs.