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Teen Drug Rehab

Teen drug rehab is a difficult but necessary part of helping teens in recovery from alcohol or drug abuse. Young adults and teens can succumb to drug and alcohol addiction just the same as their adult counterparts. In fact, they are statistically more likely to become addicted when exposed to substances at an early age. Drug rehab for teens can provide teenagers suffering from addiction the safety and care needed while beginning their recovery.

Finding comprehensive addiction treatment services for substance abuse can help give your teen the best chance at a successful recovery. From individualized treatment plans to therapy and family counseling, the services in a teen drug rehab will work to ensure the best outcome for your teen. 

teen drug rehab

What Is Teen Drug Rehab?

Teen drug rehab is designed to help teens overcome substance abuse issues and get back on the path toward a healthier life. Teen drug rehab centers focus on providing comprehensive treatment for teens, including psychological counseling and supervision, educational opportunities, recreational activities, and other evidence-based methods of care. 

A quality teen drug rehab will focus on understanding the unique needs of adolescents in the context of their family dynamics. In order to assist in your teen’s recovery, these rehab centers provide evidence-based therapies tailored specifically to teenagers and their families. In doing so, they create an environment that enhances recovery outcomes in teens. Similarly, addiction treatment programs for teens emphasize health education and relapse prevention strategies. This helps teens build on important skills they need as they transition into young adulthood while in treatment in a teen drug rehab program.

Substance Abuse in Teenagers

When it comes to addiction and substance use disorders, teens are unique. Teenagers who use drugs or alcohol put themselves at risk of interfering with brain and social development. Using drugs during this critical phase of their life may cause irreversible damage to their brains.

Children and teenagers are also more susceptible to developing a long-term substance use disorder when exposed to drugs and alcohol at an early age. Social pressure plays a large role in a teen’s life, and pressure to fit in with peers can often lead to experimentation with substances. High-risk behavior comes along with being a teen, but combined with substance abuse, the consequences can be dangerous.

Due to the dangers associated with teenage drinking and substance abuse, it is important to be proactive in preventing it. Talking with your teenager about their alcohol or drug abuse can be hard, but it is also necessary.

Being honest and open with your teen about the risks associated with substance use can help them make better-informed decisions. Additionally, getting professional help for a teenager who is struggling with addiction is also important. There are many resources available, such as counseling and support groups, that can provide your teen with the guidance they need to overcome their addiction.

Is My Teenager Abusing Drugs or Alcohol?

It can be difficult to distinguish the difference between drug experimentation and actual abuse, but there are some warning signs parents should look out for if they believe their teen may have an issue with substance abuse.

Some warning signs of drug or alcohol abuse in teens may include:

  • Changes in mood or attitude
  • Unexplained absences from school
  • A sudden decrease in academic performance
  • Loss of interest in activities or hobbies
  • Spending time with a new peer group
  • Irresponsible spending habits
  • Secretive, defensive, or deceitful behavior
  • Stealing money

If you suspect that your teen is struggling with an issue related to substance abuse, it is important to take action immediately. Regardless of whether or not your teen is experimenting with drugs or alcohol or abusing substances, the dangers involved are serious and should not be ignored.

If your child is showing signs of substance abuse, it is important to seek help from a qualified substance use disorder or mental health professional as soon as possible. In doing so, you can speak with trained medical professionals to discuss your child’s behavior and determine the best course of action. 

What Causes Teenage Drug Abuse?

Although different for everyone, various factors contribute to teenage drug abuse. Most often, a teen’s first exposure to drugs and alcohol occurs in a social setting. Since substances are easily accessible in social settings such as a party, it is also where teens are more likely to partake in underage drinking and drugs. Peer pressure and the urge to “fit in” can drive an impressionable teen to try drugs or alcohol for the first time. Without a sense of consequence, teens can feel invincible and may not understand the potential ramifications of continued use of a substance. The consequences of teen substance abuse can range from mild to life-altering.

Negative consequences of underage drinking and teen drug abuse include:

  • Addiction
    Statistically, teens who abuse drugs are much more likely to develop a serious addiction later in life.
  • Poor decision making
    Teens are quite impressionable, to begin with. Combined with drug use this can lead to lowered inhibitions and poor judgment.
  • High-risk sexual contact
    As teens explore their sexuality, adding drugs to the mix can lead to high-risk situations including unprotected sex, assault, STIs, and unwanted pregnancies.
  • Dangerous driving
    As teens learn to drive, the last thing they need is impairment from drugs and alcohol. As with any driver, drugs, and alcohol can impair someone to a dangerous extent. Not only the driver but any passengers are put in serious danger, including the risk of death.
  • Delinquency at school
    Academics will begin to suffer when a teen is abusing substances. This is an early warning sign of teenage drug use.

Without a sense of consequence, teens can feel invincible and may not understand the potential ramifications of continued use of a substance. The consequences of teen substance abuse can range from mild to life-altering.

Should I Be Worried About Teenage Drug Abuse?

With accessibility at an all-time high, it’s no wonder substance use disorders have steadily increased in the adolescent population. While not every teen will experience a drug problem, it is important to recognize that drug addiction can affect anyone.

Tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana are typically the first addictive substances that youth try. With that being said, alcohol is the most commonly used substance among adolescents. So much so that by the age of 18, 64% report a lifetime of alcohol use. Research also found that 45% report abuse of marijuana and 31% report cigarette use.

According to SAMHSA, teens who drink alcohol before age 15 are roughly six times more likely to develop lifetime alcohol dependence than those who remain abstinent from alcohol use until age 21. Similarly, studies show that the majority of adults who have a substance use disorder (SUD) drink or do drugs before age 18 and develop their disorder by age 20. For this reason, the best way to prevent a SUD is to delay the initial introduction of addictive substances for as long as possible.

Drugs have never been considered a “safe” thing to do. More than ever, high-powered synthetic designer drugs, such as fentanyl, are more dangerous than ever. It is also easier than ever to obtain these drugs. Combine widespread availability and cheap powerful drugs with the youth of today, and you’ve got a dangerous combination.

For this reason, it is vital to understand how dangerous and destructive drugs can be. More than that, it is crucial to find help for your teen if they are struggling with addiction.

Talking To Your Child About Drug Rehab for Teens

Due to the dangers associated with teenage drinking and substance abuse, it is important to be proactive in preventing it. Talking with your teenager about their alcohol or drug abuse can be hard, but it is also necessary.

Being honest and open with your teen about the risks associated with substance use can help them make better-informed decisions. Additionally, getting professional help for a teenager who is struggling with addiction is also important. There are many resources available, such as counseling and support groups, that can provide your teen with the guidance they need to overcome their addiction. 

More importantly, speaking with your teen about teen drug rehab and why it’s important can be immensely beneficial. Teen drug rehab helps teenagers learn to cope with their addiction, make better decisions in the future, and gain the skills needed for a successful life. Additionally, teen drug rehabilitation centers provide support networks for teens to connect with peers who are also overcoming substance abuse issues. These programs typically include a variety of therapies and activities that help teens deal with their addiction as well as build positive life skills for the future.

By giving your teen the support and resources they need to succeed, you’re sending a strong message that you have faith in them and are there for them during their journey toward recovery. With the right guidance and support, your teen can overcome their addiction and thrive in the future. 

Should I Encourage My Teen to Enter Treatment?

A lot of parents struggle with an eternal battle when they begin to suspect their teen is abusing drugs or alcohol. Many parents start to think that they are unnecessarily worried and that their teen is just experimenting as a part of growing up. Other parents may want to get their child help but are at a loss for what to look for or where to turn.

The most common questions parents ask themselves when they suspect that their teenager is using drugs or alcohol include:

  • Is my teen experimenting or will it turn into dependence?
  • Is my teen already dependent but we don’t know the signs?
  • How do you know when experimentation develops into drug or alcohol dependence?
  • Isn’t experimenting with drugs and alcohol a right of passage for teenagers?
  • How many teens experiment and never develop an addiction to alcohol or drugs?
  • Since I experimented with drugs and alcohol when I was a teen, my teen will be fine, right?

While you may mean well, it’s best to avoid engaging in any of these questions. None of these hypotheticals truly consider the facts of the situation. Instead, ask the person how they’re doing and if there is anything you can do to help. 

What if My Teen Is Hesitant to Join a Teen Drug Rehab?

When discussing treatment options for teens, it is important to maintain a calm, understanding atmosphere. A common issue many parents face is the inability to discuss their teen’s substance misuse without getting emotional.

Asking questions can put your child in an uncomfortable position that may result in deflection or lies out of fear. Parents often scare their children with accusations and threats because they are afraid for their safety. While this is a common reaction born from fear and protection, it is not the best way to communicate or provide support.

It’s important to understand that addiction is a complicated matter and that the person you’re speaking with may be struggling to cope. Avoid judgment or criticism, but rather show your support and compassion for their situation. Offer assistance through available programs or services where appropriate, and be sure to emphasize that recovery is possible.

If your teen still refuses to speak to you about treatment, we suggest having them call a teen drug rehab on their own. While having your teen reach out to drug rehab for teens by themselves may be intimidating, it can provide a preview of the compassion and care they will receive during their stay. 

What to Look For in a Quality Teen Rehabilitation Program

Teens have a different set of needs that most adult treatment facilities do not cater to. There are a few differences between a teen drug rehab and an adult program. For example, a quality teen drug rehab will have a program for educational help. Most teens will have to interrupt their schooling in order to attend treatment, putting them far behind when they return home. Instead, offering continued education during treatment prevents this from happening.

During treatment in a teen drug rehab,  staff in a teen drug rehab take a compassionate and comprehensive approach to ensure your child is comfortable during the intake process. For this reason, counselors strive to create an atmosphere of trust and openness where children feel they can talk honestly about their issues without judgment. By providing a safe, nonjudgmental environment, your teen will feel more comfortable sharing their true feelings and experiences.

In general, teen drug rehab offers specialized treatment for teens that combines evidence-based practices with interventions tailored to the unique needs of each child. While in treatment, experienced therapists and counselors work with teens to create individualized treatment plans that address the child’s specific needs. These plans often include evidence-based therapies to support the development of healthy coping mechanisms and communication skills.

Group therapy, educational classes, outdoor activities, art therapy, music therapy, and medication management are all common elements in a teen drug rehab program.

Other things to look for in a quality treatment center for teens include comprehensive therapy programs, accreditations and licenses, and well-qualified staff. It’s always a good idea to enlist the help of a doctor, addiction specialist, or school counselor to help choose the right facility. There are teen drug rehab options all over the country, so you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Alternatives to Teen Drug Rehab

If your child has an unhealthy relationship with drugs or alcohol, it’s best to consider an Early Intervention Program (EIP). An EIP typically avoids labeling your teen which can lessen the negative stigma surrounding substance abuse.

A quality EIP does not judge, but does:

  • A drug and alcohol assessment or evaluation
  • The teen signs an agreement to enter EIP 
  • EIP usually meets 1-4 evenings per week for 4 to 6 weeks
  • Unannounced random supervised comprehensive urine drug screens occur throughout EIP
  • EIP participants engage in cognitive behavioral group, individual, and family sessions

These interventions focus on reframing your teen’s perspective surrounding drugs and alcohol while reestablishing healthy decision-making and problem-solving skills. It is important to note that participation in an EIP has to be voluntary.

Reach Out

At Royal Life Centers, we understand how difficult this process can be for everyone involved—especially for teens. That’s why we offer help in finding treatment for teens who are struggling with substance abuse or any other issue related to mental health or addiction. 

While entering teen drug rehab can be an intimidating decision to make for a child, it is an incredibly healing experience. Royal Life Centers wants to get your child the help they need. One of our treatment experts can assist with finding the right choice for you and your loved one. Call us at (877)-RECOVERY.

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