Teenagers who prescribe opioids, with a higher risk of suicide

“There are a number of factors that put teens at risk for prescription opioid abuse,” lead study author Natalie Wilkins, a behavioral scientist in the CDC’s youth and school health division, said in an email. “Developingly, adolescents’ brains are not yet fully mature, making them more susceptible to risky and impulsive behaviors, such as drug use.”

The researchers found that the current abuse of prescribed opioids – compared to the abuse in the past or never – was to a greater extent accompanied by the serious consideration of suicide attempts, the planning of suicide and the past year sad or hopeless. Nearly 33% of students who reported current opioid abuse on prescription actually attempted suicide, compared to 19% of teens who reported abuse in the past and 6% of students who said they had never had a opioid prescription did not abuse.

Why students turn to opioids

The study examined the link between prescription opioids, suicide and symptoms of depression. Whether prescribed opioid abuse can lead to suicide and depressive symptoms, or vice versa, is not yet fully known. The authors also noted that one limitation of the study was that they did not know the levels of student abuse, such as whether they sometimes had abuse or an opioid disorder.

Regardless of why teens’ opioid abuse is a ‘nuanced and layered thing’, Dr. Lucien Gonzalez, chair of the U.S. Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Substance Abuse and Prevention, said he was not involved in the study.

Abuse can result from relieving physical pain due to medical procedures, curiosity, socializing, or succumbing to peer pressure, Gonzalez said. Some teens may abuse to relieve stress, emotional pain, mental problems, or suicidal thoughts; or they may want to feel the euphoric climax they have heard about from others.

On the link to suicide, substances that include opioids and alcohol can reduce inhibitions, Gonzalez said. He is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Some people may be less likely to prevent themselves from completing suicidal thoughts or an attempt.

Differences between minorities

There were glaring differences between different students: more feminine; Black; Spanish; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, or insecure teens who are currently on prescription drug abuse as male and white teens. Some minority groups also have a higher rate of suicide, sadness or hopelessness compared to the rates for men and white youth. And the differences between heterosexual students and lesbian, gay, bisexual and insecure teens were extreme – 23.9% of lesbian, gay or bisexual students and 14.5% of insecure students attempted suicide, compared to 6.4% of heterosexual teens . Twelve percent of lesbian, gay, or bisexual teens and 11.5 percent of insecure teens reported current opioid abuse, compared with 6.4 percent of heterosexual students.

The greater risks teens face with lesbian, gay, bisexual and insecure people are not directly caused by their sexuality, but by the way some people treat them, Green said. “They are much more likely to experience discrimination, victimization (and stigma) because of their identity,” Green said. He is also an assistant professor at the University of California, San Diego. Green was not involved in the study.

“These experiences lead to these feelings of internalized shame, stigma, depression, which are prone to things like suicidal thoughts, abuse of prescription drugs – including opioids – to address the pain and suffering they feel.” said.

“If LGBTQ youths are supported and confirmed in their identity, if they have schools that confirm LGBTQ and parents who accept it, they have a lower risk of considering and attempting suicide,” she added.

White students reported abuse of prescribed opioids more frequently because they seriously considered suicide and drew up a suicide plan than students of other races or ethnicities. But fewer white students reported suicide attempts.

Safety and cure of prescription opioid abuse

“Because children can go from idea to play very quickly, parents need to create a safe environment for children and teens who have suicidal thoughts,” Gonzalez said.

According to Gonzalez, there are signs that could indicate substance abuse or another problem:

Given the common reasons for opioid abuse, the way our students ‘should not be in pain’ is crucial, Green said.

Parents should concern their children’s pediatrician or take their child to a clinic for behavioral problems if the child is willing, Gonzalez said.

It starts with talking to their child, and it does not even have to start with ‘I’m worried about drugs. It’s’ I’m worried about you. Are you doing well? ‘, He added.