Drug Rehab for Teenagers: Effective Strategies
Dedicated drug rehab for teenagers and young adults specializes in helping this vulnerable population break free from their drug and alcohol addiction. Teens and young adults have unique needs when it comes to treatment and recovery from a substance use disorder. Rehabs and treatment centers specifically for teens offer targeted programming that can be more effective than programs for adults.
Over 3 million people over the age of 12 are introduced to mind-altering substances every year. Drug use rate in people ages 18-25 is especially high. About 60% of young adults surveyed reported getting their access to drugs from relatives, friends and the streets. Commonly abused substances among this group include alcohol, marijuana and stimulants like Adderall.
The alarming number of teens with access to drugs means effective treatment is even more necessary. Teens and young adults are more vulnerable to drug and alcohol addiction because of their natural desire to explore and their curiosity. They are more likely to experiment recreationally, which can easily lead to chemical dependency.
Adolescence is an important developmental phase characterized by physical, emotional and social changes. Because of this, teens and young adults require specialized care that differs significantly from adult addiction rehab programs.
Signs your Teen may have a Substance Addiction
Teens and young adults are naturally prone to mood swings, changes in peer groups and increased desire for independence. So it can be difficult to identify if they are going through typical growing pains or if there is a drug crisis. But knowing the warning signs of substance abuse can help you catch the problem before it becomes out of control.
- They have a change in friend group and start spending time with people are a bad influence on them.
- They are in possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia in their room or backpack.
- They have slowly become withdrawn from friends and family.
- Their grades are starting to slip or they are skipping class.
- They are no longer interested in hobbies and activities they once enjoyed.
- They have extreme mood swings.
- They are developing unusual sleep habits or there are drastic changes in their energy levels.
- You catch them lying and keep secrets.
- They either stop eating or are eating more than normal.
- They are neglecting their personal hygiene and personal appearance.
- They smell like drugs.
- There are drastic changes in their behavior and they may become more erratic.
- They are stealing money to pay for drugs.
Why is Drug Rehab for Teenagers so Important?
The adolescent brain is still under construction. The prefrontal cortex, which is the area of the brain responsible for rational decision-making, impulse control, and understanding of consequences, does not fully develop until a person reaches their mid-twenties. Drugs and alcohol alter brain chemistry and, in severe cases, cause brain damage. This is why drug rehab for teenagers is vital.
Because the brain is still in a malleable form, the long-term effects of drugs and alcohol can be damaging to the brain. Substance abuse during formative brain development years can alter brain structure, impact memory, impact learning ability and impact emotional regulation into adulthood. Early intervention allows the brain to heal and re-establish healthy neural pathways.
Benefits of Drug Rehab for Teenagers and Young Adults
- Provides teens with a new environment away from people and places associated with their addiction. It helps them to focus on their recovery surrounded by a healthy and supportive environment.
- Breathing room. Addiction impacts the entire family. Especially when it affects a young person, they may be under immense pressure. Rehab for teens allows the young person to heal without the constant pressure or stress from parents and family. The physical distance can be a huge weight lifted off their shoulders.
- Learning and education. Teens and young adults are more open to change compared to older adults. They are also typically able to absorb and learn new information better and more quickly.
- Healthy structure. Rehab provides structured programming aimed specifically to help teens thrive because they know what to expect each day. It makes them feel less out of control and helps teach them to build their own sustainable routine to maintain after rehab.
- Peer support. Teens struggle a lot with peer pressure, bullying and fitting in. These issues are unique to teens and young adults. Drug rehab for teenagers allows them to connect with other peers who may be struggling with the same issues and helps them build a supportive community. Teens naturally value peer relationships above almost all else. By utilizing this specific trait, group therapy can help maximize the benefits of supported recovery. Hearing from people who are facing the same obstacles as you can help break down feelings of isolation and shame. It can make young people more open to change and healing.
- Family support. Addiction is a family disease and recovery is also a family effort. Rehab for teenagers includes family therapy. Family plays a big role in young people’s lives. With family therapy, the teen and their loved ones will learn healthy coping techniques and how to set healthy boundaries to help each other during recovery. Families will also learn how to stop enabling, help siblings process their feelings and rebuild broken trust and relationships in a healthy and effective manner.
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Unique Aspect of Drug Rehab for Teenagers
Rehab specially geared toward teens and young adults differs from rehab for men and women. They require specialized programming that is tailored to better help them with their issues.
- Inpatient rehab will provide regular healthy meals to help physically heal teens from the inside out. This is especially important for brain development.
- Physical activities and holistic therapies can be extremely beneficial for young people. Finding a new hobby that keeps you away from drugs and negative thinking patterns can help distract you from cravings and urges.
- Academic work for school. Going to rehab might mean missing school. Rehab programs specific to treating teens and young adults will have designated programs to help keep students on top of their schoolwork and grades. These programs have dedicated academic coordinators, quiet study hours and on-site tutors. They collaborate with the teens’ home school to ensure coursework is completed, allowing the student to continue academic progress while working on their mental and physical health.
How to get your Teen into rehab
Confronting your teen about their substance use can be tricky. It requires firmness, empathy and strategic planning.
- Hire a professional. An intervention specialist can help mediate the conversation and keep emotions in check.
- Directly talk to your teen. Forming a united front of family members who are on the same page is critical before starting the conversation.
- Focus on love and not punishment. Frame the intervention around your care and love for your teen. You are concerned about their health. Focus on this strategy rather than seeing addiction as a moral failure or a fault in their behavior.
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Rehab for teenagers is unknown territory for most families. However, it is important to get them into treatment in order to avoid any long-term effects from possible changes to a developing mind and body. Professional behavioral health programs like Hotel California by the Sea provide treatment for men, women and young adults with a substance addiction. We offer treatment at all levels of care, including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based methods such as CBT, group therapy and family therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals in sobriety and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://rehabs.com/treatment/specialized-treatment/teen
https://addictionresource.com/drug-rehab/teen
https://www.drugrehab.com/teens/treatment
https://www.addictioncenter.com/teenage-drug-abuse/inpatient-teen-rehab
