Addiction Rehab for Teens

15 Minutes

Edited & medically reviewed by THE BALANCE Team
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Teenagers and adolescents have incredibly specific treatment needs, so it may be worthwhile to take the time to locate an inpatient luxury rehab facility that specializes in adolescent care, whether it is nearby or involves some travel. Substance abuse has a varying impact on various demographics. Your adolescent may feel more secure recovering in an atmosphere comprised of peers their own age.

Prior to seeking treatment, families must ascertain whether their kid struggles with addiction or drug dependency, or if their drug usage is accidental or out of curiosity or exploration. It is critical for families to understand the distinction between experimenting with alcohol or drugs and developing an addiction to these substances.

Residential Treatment Program for Troubled Teens

Teenagers explore increasing levels of independence throughout their senior year of high school. Their newest interests may be benign, such as learning to drive or staying up all night, but they may also be hazardous, such as experimental drug usage.

The appeal of the prohibition may play a significant role in why many teenagers are interested in attempting illegal drugs. However, simply using a substance does not guarantee addiction, and many youths who experiment with drugs do not continue to use them regularly. Treatment is more suggested if your teen is addicted to drugs or alcohol than if they have tried them once or twice.

When a youngster develops an addiction to a chemical, certain indicators of abuse manifest. Different chemicals exhibit distinct indicators of misuse, so if you have a notion about the type of substance your child may be abusing, it’s beneficial to conduct additional research on that substance.

Among the warning signs of adolescent drug and alcohol abuse are the following:

  • Physical appearance changes
  • Stealing or borrowing money 
  • Sudden changes in their social circle and close friends
  • Changes in appetite
  • Alterations in sleeping habits
  • Extravagant secrecy
  • A precipitous decline in scores or educational achievement
  • Their bedroom is littered with drug paraphernalia.

Several parents face the challenge of finding the right rehabilitation program for their adolescents. When an adult loved one struggles with addiction, the anxiety and pressure can be particularly damaging; however, when a child is affected, the worry and stress can be particularly devastating. It is critical to remember that you do have alternatives and that specialized adolescent treatment is effective.

In 2016, approximately 180,000 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years received substance abuse treatment at a specialized facility.

Teenage rehabilitation and treatment centers are acutely aware of their patients’ necessities and can tailor their rehabilitation programs to meet those needs. The requirement for this specialized treatment is self-evident. The 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) revealed the following:

  • In 2016, 185,000 adolescents aged Twelve to Seventeen received treatment for substance use problems.
  • In 2016, slightly more than 4% of all adolescents aged 12 – 17 years had a substance use disorder.
  • In 2016, about 5,750 individuals in this age range used at least one illegal substance.

Prescription painkiller usage is also harming adolescents and young adults—in 2016, over 875,000 children aged twelve to seventeen misused opioid medicines.

Whether your kid requires a residential program, inpatient treatment or another type of multiple diagnosis program, one question you can answer for yourself is to search for some of the most prevalent indications of adolescent drug misuse. Is your adolescent:

  • Are you finding yourself suddenly surrounded by new acquaintances?
  • Withdrawing from family and friends?
  • Are they disregarding their personal appearance?
  • Have you seen a sudden dip in grades or a tendency to skip classes?
  • Are they giving up their hobbies?
  • Are you displaying more hostility or getting into confrontations with family members?

Consuming more or fewer calories than usual?

Modifying their sleeping patterns (for example, staying up all night or sleeping exceedingly)?

If you see any of the preceding indicators or discover evidence of substance use (such as prescription bottles, cigarettes, etc. ), treatment may be indicated. Substance misuse can have a profoundly harmful effect on a teenager’s growing brain, and early substance abuse increases the chance of having a substance use problem in maturity.

Teenage substance addiction is frequently a problem that requires the assistance of mental and/or medical health professionals to handle. When it comes to teen substance misuse, specialists who are familiar with this population will be able to provide the best possible customized care for your child.

The finest adolescent rehabilitation center is one that employs a variety of treatment modalities. A comprehensive approach to substance abuse is the most effective way to address the root causes of teen addiction first. Each adolescent has unique healing needs.

Throughout treatment, it is critical to assess the patient on a regular basis to verify that healing is progressing as expected and that the present course of treatment is appropriate. If it is determined that treatment should be amended, the modifications should occur swiftly to ensure the kid receives the best care available.

Dual Diagnosis Inpatient Private Treatment for Teens in Mallorca

As you search for therapy for your child, inquire about the sorts of therapies available, the length of time the program has been treating teens, whether they constantly reassess treatment plans, and any other questions you may have. Additionally, inquire about whether they assist patients in developing comprehensive aftercare plans or outline precise actions to follow to sustain healing following therapy. This may include initiating outpatient therapy, continuing family therapy, or perhaps enrolling in a recovery high school.

Early intervention can literally save your adolescent’s life. Do not be scared to reach out today to obtain assistance for your child.

Many parents who believe their adolescent may have a drug or alcohol issue are at a loss on where to begin. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recommends consulting your child’s physician, a nearby addiction treatment facility, or even a school counselor.

Residential Intensive Care Units

Residential treatment for alcohol and drug addiction can be a critical step toward rehabilitation from substance abuse problems, particularly for adolescents who are coping with serious addiction-related concerns and even some who have multiple diagnosed mental health conditions.

Residential drug addiction treatment programs provide 24-hour support and supervision for your teenager during his or her stay at the center. Inpatient programs located in hospitals provide round-the-clock medical treatment from health care providers. Numerous residential programs that are not hospital-based also provide access to health services when necessary.

Even though residential inpatient rehabilitation is not always necessary. Additionally, standard outpatient treatment and higher-level outpatient treatments such as partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intense outpatient programs (IOP) are available.

If your child is referred to an inpatient program, the duration may vary depending on their individual requirements. NIDA concludes that programs lasting less than three months may be ineffective and that extended treatment durations often result in better outcomes.

The kid will reside in a structured setting favorable for sobriety while undergoing inpatient therapy. The outside world’s attractions, especially drug-using pals, will be absent.

The teenager will be able to stay focused exclusively on understanding their addiction, identifying the negative attitudes and concerns that drove them to use alcohol or drugs, and developing a toolbox of coping skills to utilize once treatment is complete.

There are youth rehabilitation institutions spread around the country. Certain rehab institutions that primarily serve adults may also accept and rehabilitate adolescents. This implies you are not restricted to facilities located within your city. While some kids and their parents may prefer a luxury rehab facility close to home, others may benefit from a full change of scenery and removal from a provoking home situation. This is a personal decision that should be discussed as a family.

Teenage alcohol and drug misuse are distinct from adult substance abuse in numerous respects; teenagers, for example, are more likely to be attracted to substance abuse compared to adults, binge on substances, take longer to identify their substance use is a concern, and are therefore more likely to have a dual diagnosed mental health illnesses.  Adolescents are also more susceptible to peer influence.

For several years, youth treatment included following adult program methods, but professionals in drug and alcohol treatment have come to recognize that this demographic requires a unique treatment approach. Numerous adolescent programs will combine numerous therapeutic modalities, including the following:

Individual and group treatment are available. Several evidence-based treatments may be used, including the following:

  • Interviewing with the purpose of motivation
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy.
  • Management of contingencies.
  • Therapy inside the family.
  • Twelve-step programs
  • Medication to alleviate withdrawal symptoms or cravings

There are two primary types of adolescent treatment programs: inpatient and outpatient. The primary distinction between the two programs is whether individuals reside at the institution full-time or simply visit for therapy.

While both inpatient and outpatient care may contain many of the same therapies, inpatient care generally involves more rigorous forms of treatment. The nature of the adolescent’s addiction and any other medical or mental health concerns will assist establish whether an inpatient or outpatient treatment is the best option for them.

Inpatient Rehabilitation. There are numerous advantages to inpatient therapy for adolescents. Inpatient rehab, alternatively referred to as residential treatment programs, entails 24-hour care. Teenage patients spend the entire day and night at the facility, which is especially beneficial if they need to detox prior to beginning therapy.

During inpatient therapy, doctors will likely be available 24 hours a day to aid patients experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, an inpatient facility can keep adolescents away from their classmates and the factors that initially prompted them to use drugs.

Inpatient rehabilitation can be frightening for both adolescent and their family. To the teen, this may feel like punishment or that their family no longer wants them around. Fortunately, the majority of inpatient facilities enable parents and other family members to visit and engage in specific treatment components, such as family therapy.

Additionally, parents must tell their kids that they still love them and that the teen is receiving emotional support and critical medical care rather than punishment.

Outpatient Rehabilitation. Outpatient drug rehab for kids entails visiting a clinic or facility during the day for appointments but not staying overnight. Patients may participate in individual or group treatment, as well as in specialized adolescent therapy. Parents and families may also visit the teen drug rehab facility and participate in therapeutic activities or receive therapy on their own, depending on the facility’s offers.

Unlike inpatient programs, outpatient programs are frequently not time-limited. Your teen may attend counseling for as long and as frequently as necessary until they recover. Teens who do not have a severe addiction, are at low risk of relapsing or have recently completed an inpatient treatment benefit from an outpatient setting. When an inpatient treatment concludes, the facility frequently continues to provide assistance via an outpatient program.

  • Motivational interviewing (MI) is a technique that is frequently employed in the treatment of teenage substance misuse. The interaction between the adolescent and therapist is critical, as the therapist will assist the adolescent in identifying their motive for seeking treatment. Unlike several other methods of adult rehabilitation, MI is non-judgmental and non-confrontational. It enables adolescents to examine their own decisions and recognizes their capacity for self-determination.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy seeks to assist the adolescent in seeing how their thoughts influence their behavior and acquiring the skills necessary to change those thoughts. Additionally, CBT assists patients in identifying high-risk scenarios that may lead to drug use and in developing coping skills for urges and provoking situations.
  • The abilities developed as a result of a teenager’s cognitive-behavioral efforts continue to aid in sustained recovery after treatment is completed.
  • Treatment strategies based on contingency management provide meaningful benefits for people in rehabilitation who are making progress. These prizes may include vouchers, money, or visits outside of the treatment facility in exchange for things like negative drug tests.
  • Parents’ desire to actively participate in family therapy can be enormously beneficial to the teen.
  • Family therapy accounts for a sizable portion of the treatment for the adolescent population. A stable family dynamic is critical for a teenager’s sense of security, and the family is widely regarded as the main consideration of an adolescent’s development.
  • Family-based treatment aims to improve positive communication between family members, address any deep-seated issues that may be related to a teen’s drug use, and teach all family members more effective problem-solving skills.

Just as your teen’s alcohol and drug addiction must be treated, and dual diagnosis mental health challenges must be resolved as well, as untreated lingering illnesses may result in relapse. Unfortunately, mental health problems are prevalent among adolescents. As per the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 20 percent of adolescents between the ages of thirteen and eighteen suffer from a mental health disorder. If your teen is struggling with both a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health illness such as bipolar disorder, depression, panic disorder, do some research on teen inpatient residential programs that specialize in dual diagnosis care.

Once you’ve established that your teenager does actually have a substance abuse problem, a clinical or drug rehab specialist can assist you in determining the seriousness of the issue and developing a suitable treatment strategy. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating drug addiction, and what works for one youngster may not work for another.

If you’re looking for the best inpatient residential rehab center for adolescents and young adults in your area, it’s critical to thoroughly explore the many treatment options available to ensure your requirements are fulfilled. The most effective treatment is one that is targeted to the specific needs of your adolescent, whether it is short- or long-term, residential inpatient, outpatient, or dual diagnosis.

Depending on your region, you may discover that your area lacks an adequate therapy program for adolescents. However, if nearby programs exist, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of being admitted to a local program vs traveling out of state.

Due to the ease with which alcohol can be obtained, it is a popular target for youths who wish to experiment with substance use and misuse. Some parents may even allow their children to consume alcohol in the expectation that they would continue to do so rather than progressing to drug misuses such as cannabis or cocaine. Regrettably, parents who support teenage drinking may be promoting future alcoholism. As per a research published in the Journal of Substance Consumption, 11 percent of youth who began drinking at the age of 16 or younger developed alcohol abuse problems, compared to 4 percent of those who began drinking at the age of twenty or older. The earlier children begin drinking, the more probable they may develop substance abuse problems. That is why it is best to keep all teenagers away from alcohol.

It is usually prudent to tour and speak with professionals at an adolescent drug recovery program prior to totally committing to it. Make a list of questions you want to ask a recovery center’s employees or directors before you visit. This list will assist you in obtaining all of the information necessary to make the best choice for your kid.

A study of teenage substance addiction treatment programs in the United States identified the following nine critical characteristics of an effective program:

  • Assessment and treatment matching: The institution should tailor a treatment plan to your teen’s individual needs.
  • Approach to treatment that is comprehensive and integrated: the program should touch all facets of your teen’s life.
  • Family involvement in treatment: When parents are included in the treatment process, the outcome is significantly improved.
  • Developmentally appropriate program: Program that is developmentally appropriate: the treatment should be customized specifically for adolescents, not for all ages.
  • Engaging and retaining teens in treatment: Teens should be able to develop a trusting relationship with their therapists and be actively involved in their own treatment.
  • Qualified staff: Staff with specialist training in substance abuse and mental health therapy for adolescents: Therapists, physicians, and other staff members should have professional training in substance abuse and mental health therapy for adolescents.
  • Gender and cultural competence: the program should take your teen’s cultural background and gender into consideration.
  • Continuing care: the facility should develop a plan for continued care following the conclusion of the program in order to facilitate participation in society and avoid complications of relapse.
  • Treatment outcomes: the hospital should monitor patient recovery and relapse rates to ensure that its procedures are effective.

Sadly, many juvenile recovery programs do not meet all of these criteria or even some of them. Conduct research to determine whether a program is a good fit for your teen before enrolling them. To get you started, here are some critical things to ask when visiting a first treatment center or facility.

Ascertain from the facility’s personnel whether they will communicate with you on a frequent basis, as some facilities may phone parents weekly. It’s critical to feel involved in your child’s recovery, and being informed about what’s occurring can help ease any worry or misunderstanding. Additionally, family involvement in adolescent rehab enhances treatment success.

Numerous clinics now provide family counseling for parents, siblings, and other family members who are struggling with substance abuse. You can collaborate with your family support the therapists to develop strategies for supporting your teen once they return home.

It is critical to locate a rehab center that specializes in juvenile therapy, as their treatment requirements differ from those of adults. Teens are frequently still developing and changing, including hormonal changes. Substance abuse also has a different effect on their developing brains than it does on adults.

A reputable facility should be aware of this reality and prepared to address any resulting concerns. These institutes will offer teen-specific addiction counseling and will assist them with age-appropriate mental health challenges. Any medical care that your child need should be administered by a professional who is experienced in handling teenagers.

High school is a formative period in a student’s education. This is the stage of their lives when they are developing the abilities they will need in the industry and settling on a career path or whether to attend college. Substance misuse can have a significant detrimental impact on a teenager’s school performance, and they will require specialized assistance to regain their footing. While kids are out of school for treatment, it is critical that their educational needs continue to be satisfied. Certain clinics teach courses on-site, while others allow kids to attend treatment sessions after school.

Certain facilities offer aftercare services, which include support networks and services for individuals who have completed the program. These may include professional or interpersonal skills training to assist them in returning to work or their social circle after an extended absence. This can be useful as it enables your teen to resume their normal schedule while still focusing on rehabilitation. Additionally, it enables them to plan for future drug-related urges when they come home and go to school, which is critical for avoiding a relapse. All of these are critical components of successful teen addiction treatment and rehabilitation.

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