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Teen Addiction Treatment

Teen rehab centers offer a safe and secure environment to promote the healing of young people and their families. Individualized treatment plans include support for parents, caregivers and other family members as well as the client.

Staffed by medical professionals, these types of facilities provide help with not only addictive behaviors, but with any underlying physical or mental health conditions. Also, programs for teens are geared specifically toward the unique issues of this age group.

Teen Drug Abuse Trends

Young people have always faced the temptation of experimenting with alcohol or drugs. But today, with these substances being more easily available and teen life increasingly more stressful, a higher number of youth are choosing to drink or use either in recreational or habitual ways.

The teenage drug abuse statistics revealed that about 30 percent of high school students are using alcohol regularly, according to the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey taken by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control in 2017. Of this group, 20 percent currently use marijuana, and about 5 percent have tried cocaine or hallucinogenic drugs. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has also reported on April 2017 that out of 68,000 U.S. high school students surveyed, about 11 percent reported using non-medical opioid drugs and 1.5 percent reported using heroin.

Obviously, a great need for effective intervention and recovery programs exist in this country and beyond. So if a teen you know and love is caught in addiction, know that there is support out there. More rehab centers that cater to teens have sprung up over the last decade, bringing new hope to families.

Teenage Stress

Adolescence is a period of physical and psychological growth. During this transition into adulthood, many teens deal with stressors that may push them to cope through drug or alcohol use. Here are some of the unique issues someone may face during these formative years.

1. Their Body and Brain Are Still Developing

Between the ages of 12 and 18, boys and girls experience puberty and all the changes that brings. Growth in height or weight as well as an increase in endurance and strength can give teens a sense of invincibility. They also begin to think more analytically, and question the world around them. This can lead to experimentation in all sorts of areas of life. Disciplines such as willpower, however, are not yet fully developed, making them vulnerable for developing destructive behaviors.

2. Their Emotions Are Still Maturing

This is a time when young people seek to be more independent. They often want to make their own decisions without the advice of parents or caregivers. Standing on their own two feet is natural part of personal development. However, the need for social acceptance is still quite strong. If they are inexperienced at making healthy decisions for themselves, they may end up giving into peer pressure.

3. They're in Denial of Reality

Many young people who have an addiction problem won't admit it. Some don't believe they have an issue, even when faced with compelling evidence. This denial may be based on pride, shame or a strong desire to fit in with the crowd. Whatever the reason, a strong form of intervention is needed to break through and start the recovery process. Learn more about how to approach your teen about getting into treatment.

Teen Alcohol Treatment

Alcoholism can have, at least in part, a genetic cause. Teen rehab centers will begin the treatment process by spending some time to gather information about a teen’s family background. They may use questionnaires and interviews to learn about the teen's personal history, current living situation, strengths and weaknesses, and more.

Teens may also be categorized as “risky” drinkers, alcohol dependent, or abusers. Depending on the level of addiction, will determine whether treatment can be done outpatient or inpatient, short-term or long-term. Regardless of the type of program, rehab for teens place a heavy emphasis on educating young people on addiction recovery. Young people are taught about the dangers of drinking in excess to themselves and those around them. Through therapy, they'll also learn which individual triggers and temptations lead them to drink as well as how to change their patterns to create a brighter future.

Drug Rehab for Teens

Substance abuse programs for teenagers usually begins with intervention and supervised withdrawal. Because detox and early recovery is a painful and intense process, some drug addiction treatment may involve medication assistance depending on the person's drug of choice.

Teen rehab for opiate or opioid addiction may involve the supervised use of substances like Methadone to help reduce cravings and increase the chances of sustained recovery. Opiates are medicines prescribed for pain, and include Morphine, Codeine, Oxycontin and Vicodin among others. They bring relief by releasing dopamine, a chemical that when activated sends the signal to the brain that a pleasurable experience is taking place. Heroin, usually injected or inhaled, is an opioid drug that brings effects similar to strong prescription painkillers.

When taken over a period of time, both both of these types of drugs actually alter the brain's functioning. They release more dopamine into the body than it naturally needs to feel better. Eventually tolerance builds up, so a bigger amount of drugs is needed to create the pleasurable effects and even to keep the mind working correctly. This is when dependence takes hold, which often leads to addiction.

During drug addiction treatment, teens can experience the rehabilitation process at the close watch of medical professionals who can ensure their comfort and safety. After detox, teen drug treatment is typically followed by therapy and counseling aimed at discovering the initial reasons for turning to drugs and finding healthier ways to cope.

Teenage Depression Treatment Centers

Teens can feel depression for a variety of reasons. A chemical imbalance in the brain or other physical condition may be the root cause. Other times, outside forces are at work. Adolescents can feel pressure to excel at school and activities. Trying to fit in with their peers, or to please their parents adds an undercurrent of stress to each day. A difficult home life or some kind of limitation can result in a sense of discouragement.

Everyone experiences down times, or even the blues once in a while. In those cases, talking things out or finding an activity to focus on is enough to lift the spirits. But certain changes in behavior over a longer period may hint at a bigger concern.

Here are some signs that a teen might be struggling with depression:

  • Displaying greater feelings of sadness, being more tearful or crying
  • Expressing hopelessness about life
  • Showing increased anger or even hostility
  • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
  • Loss or gain in appetite
  • Sleeping markedly more or less than before

Taking early action to find therapy for teenage depression is crucial. If a bout of depression is not treated, it can evolve into something much more serious. Some young people have seen their depression progress into bipolar disorder. Others find themselves contemplating suicide. Teens who reach this point need immediate intervention, perhaps even hospitalization, for their safety.

For ongoing treatment, antidepressant medications such as Prozac help break the negative mental cycle. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches the teen to become aware of thoughts and to be proactive in changing them for the better. Family counseling can begin to build a sense of community around each young person. For teens who struggle with a co-occurring depression and substance use disorder, the highest quality of treatment may involve tackling both issues in a specialized rehab for depression.

What To Look For In A Rehab Center

Finding the right teen rehab center is a big decision. But there are some things to keep in mind while looking.

First, a good center will provide opportunities for teens to grow. It’s been shown that teens who have confidence in themselves experience more long-term success in recovery. Some centers have responded to this by offering classes and clubs, even outdoor adventure-type programs. Making new friends while learning new skills builds self-esteem, and a healthy curiosity.

A quality center will seek to actively include family members in the treatment process. A teen’s addiction affects everyone around them, and it's important for parents, caregivers and siblings to have a chance to heal. Meeting together for counseling lays the groundwork for a more healthy home environment where the teen will feel more supported as time goes on.

Also, the best centers have clear boundaries and rules. Teens who are struggling with addiction have gotten used to self indulgence and chaos. A responsible facility provides guidelines and routines about everything from bedtime to visitations. These bring order to a young person's daily life, and make them accountable for their decisions. Sometimes incentives or rewards are given as a teen starts to make better choices.

Another major consideration is finances. Rehab, though the best start for recovery, is expensive. If a family does not have the funds available to cover the costs, several options exist for them. Parents and caregivers can apply for center-specific scholarships and grants. Medicaid may be available for some. Many states offer free hospitalization for detox, followed by access to 12 step programs. Taking out a bank loan or asking for extended financing from a center may be a possibility as well.

Facing the problem of addiction is a hard, and brave, thing for a teen to do. Fortunately, they and their families don’t ever have to go it alone.

More Teen Addiction Treatment Programs
Hickory Wind Ranch California
 Hickory Wind Ranch
Hickory Wind Ranch provides a safe and nurturing environment for recovering addicts from all walks of life, geographies and crafts. Because each recovery journey is as important as one’s ultimate destination, our goal is to help every member of our community learn how to live a full and rich sober life and to achieve physical, emotional, and spiritual balance. Our communities will provide a tranquil yet supportive environment to begin sober living in Austin. We embrace and practice the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and strive to create an environment rooted in love, service, grace, tolerance and community. Unlike most treatment centers, sober homes and half way houses, Hickory Wind Ranch in Austin, TX offers a comprehensive recovery program that helps our residents heal on all levels: mind, body and spirit. Hickory Wind Ranch is now owned and managed by Omega Recovery. (512) 759-8495 Learn More
Greenhouse Treatment Center Texas
Greenhouse Treatment Center
Greenhouse Treatment Center is the perfect place to leave your past behind and find the joy that recovery can bring. Part of the American Addiction Centers (AAC) family of facilities through the United States, Greenhouse Treatment Center provides care for addiction and co-occurring disorders. Our team comprised of the most dedicated and passionate providers you’ll find. (866) 423-0165 Learn More
Elk River Treatment Program Alabama
Elk River Treatment Program
Elk River is a residential treatment and recovery center for teenagers, ages 12-18. Our dual diagnosis treatment program exclusively treats troubled teens dealing with drug and alcohol abuse, depression, anxiety, trauma and behavioral issues. Our multidisciplinary treatment team provides individualized treatment plans and accredited education so no child falls behind in school. The duration of the program is completely dependent on the needs of your family and your child's response to treatment. Since 2006, Elk River has successfully treated hundreds of teenagers from all across the United States. If you're looking for one of the most trusted teen treatment centers in the country, call our licensed counselors and find out how we can help. Call 866-906-TEEN. (866) 531-3598 Learn More
Westlake Recovery Texas
Westlake Recovery
Westlake Recovery is located in the heart of Downtown Austin. We are within walking distance to many major Austin hot spots- including Recovery Meeting groups. Our Luxury Sober Living home has an on-site manager as well as several full time employees dedicated solely to Sober Living in Austin and ensuring the environment is safe, nurturing and highly accountable. We also provide additional holistic health and wellness services such as a gym membership to the YMCA. monthly community events, monthly maid and cleaning services. There are daily yoga classes available at the YMCA. (512) 759-8495 Learn More