Young adults and addiction

Opiate addiction in young adults is on the rise. Oxycodone, hydrocodone and codeine were ranked among the 10 most common drugs involved in drug abuse deaths. And the prevalence of heroin addiction is the highest it has been since the 1970s.

Drug addiction shows no discrimination in terms of age, race, socioeconomic status, etc. And Horizon has seen an influx of young adults (typically ages 14 to 24) in its addiction program, many being referred by Drug Court.

Opiate addiction is a neurobehavioral syndrome characterized by the repeated, compulsive seeking or the use of an opioid despite adverse social, psychological and/or physical consequences.

“The ability to use these types of drugs safely is very difficult,” says Maria Pasceri, vice president of program development at Horizon. “With opiates, you need them every day, and the probability of misuse leading to death is very high. Plus, they are expensive, so people with addictions are often forced to steal or trade sex for drugs, which can also be dangerous.”

Opiate addiction can often be treated effectively with medications in conjunction with psychosocial services. The brain effectively becomes “deranged” with chronic drug use and doesn’t function as it should. Medications can help “fool” the brain.

Methadone is the most popular medication used to treat this type of addiction (though Horizon does not utilize Methadone in its program) because it blocks the euphoric and tranquilizing effects of the opioid drugs. There are often severe side effects with Methadone, such as nausea, pain and lethargy.

Two new drugs – Naltrexone and Buprenorphine – have shown great promise in treating addictive drugs such as heroin or cocaine. Both help to decrease the urge or craving for the drugs and they also help ease withdrawal symptoms. Side effects are minimal.

“These medications fill the opiate receptors in the brain, satisfying it and, therefore, reducing the cravings,” says Pasceri. Horizon uses both drugs in its recovery program.

Young adults qualify for Horizon’s recovery program if they are:

age 18 or older
have a current diagnosis of opioid dependence with multiple treatment attempts
are not pregnant
show reasonable expectation of adherence with medication regimen
have no current dependence on benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol
have expressed interest in agonist treatment
are psychiatrically stable

Horizon begins with a comprehensive behavioral health assessment to document all behavioral health diagnoses. There’s also a complete physical exam, including lab testing for HIV, Hepatitis and more. There are daily counseling sessions to start, gradually lessening to weekly sessions, both individual and group. Family members are welcome to take part in any sessions.

“We also work with such organizations as VESID to provide educational and vocational counseling once consumers have completed the recovery program so they can resume a productive lifestyle,” says Pasceri. “Recovery is very definitely possible, especially if the consumer really wants to stop.”