Mention an addict and some people immediately conjure up an image of a homeless person, drunk and disoriented and dirty on the streets. Unfortunately, the reality is that addiction doesn’t discriminate when it comes to age. Statistically, there are more adults who are substance abusers than teenagers, but adolescents still make up a large part of the numbers.
Even though teenagers who are addicted to drugs or alcohol are struggling with a very adult problem, they have different emotional and psychological needs. It is important for a rehab to recognize that they need to treat a teenager differently. You may be wondering the following question- Can an addictions center treat adolescents with substance abuse issues? The answer? Read on to learn more.
Options for Teenagers
Most rehab centers will separate teenagers by their age and gender when they start treatment. What type of rehab the teen goes into will depend on a few different factors. There are inpatient programs that will accept teenagers for substance abuse, but you can also find outpatient programs that will work around school and classes. You’ll find many treatment programs that have been carefully tailored to help teenagers and their families. Not only do these programs address the addiction, but they also help the teenager build healthier relationships with family, friends, and classmates.
Detox is the First Step
If you or your loved one is still using, that’s okay. Detox can start as soon as you are admitted into the treatment center. Teenagers will be closely monitored by doctors while they are going through detox. Whether or not medication is prescribed for them will depend on many factors, such as the mental state of the teen and former addictions. If they are given medication to ease the pain of withdrawing from drugs or alcohol, they will be watched closely by the medical personnel of the facility. Once they successfully complete their detox, teenagers can move on to specialized treatment.
Treatment for Behavioral Issues
Dual Diagnosis
More often than not, teenagers suffering from substance abuse are also suffering from some type of underlying mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression. If this is the case, a dual diagnosis may be needed. This type of treatment allows therapists and counselors to address the mental health issue and addiction. The teenager will have a safe space to talk about his or her mental problems and how they relate to their addiction. The therapist involved will help them address the triggers that could cause them to want to abuse certain substances as well as how they can avoid them in the future. Teens will also learn how to cope with stressful emotions and situations that can lead to cravings.
Behavioral and Family Therapy
Behavioral therapy may be used for both teenagers and their families. Teens will again learn how to resist urges and triggers in their everyday life. Parents will also learn better communication skills. Being in therapy together with a skilled mediator, the therapist, allows the family to effectively communicate with one another without yelling and screaming. Open, honest discussions are able to happen, which can eventually lead to better relationships between the teenager and his or her family.
Recreational Therapy
Many rehabs for teenagers use recreational therapy during treatment. For many teenagers, using drugs and alcohol has taken precedence over everything else in their lives, even their favorite sports and hobbies. A teenager in recreational therapy will participate in active leisure activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, and more. This type of therapy helps the teenager relax and open up. The goal is for the teen to remember the positive traits they may have been hiding while they used. Recreational therapy also allows teenagers to bond with other recovering addicts in a safe and healthy way.
Aftercare Services
Many rehab facilities will set up a teen patient with aftercare services after they have completed rehab. Support groups may resemble groups like Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous. They give teenagers a safe area to talk about and share experiences. Parents must understand that their teenager should continue attending support groups as much as they possibly can, for as long as they can.
Call Our Company Today
When you are ready to commit to rehab, whether as a teenager or adult, we can help. Call us at 833-820-2922. We will give you the information you need to make the best decision of your life. You may also wish to stop in and ask how we can help.