Should drug treatment for teens be any different than drug treatment for anyone else? I would say no, and yes. Some aspects of treatment for drug and/or alcohol abuse are the same for teens as they are adults. Teens will need the same help to get through physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms, support of peers, and counselling. The biggest difference between an adult in a drug rehab and a teen in drug rehab is usually a personal desire to change.
Many adults have been carrying the weight of their addiction and paying many different prices for their addiction for a very long time. They typically have finally decided to seek help either on their own or by encouragement from loved ones. Many teens on the other hand are not at the same stage of maturity in wanting to fight their addictions. Many are court ordered to rehab because of continuous problems with the law. Many teens are also placed in drug rehabs against their will by family members who can see what addiction is doing to the teen. Placing an adult against there will is not an option, but in most states it is legal to have a child admitted to a rehabilitation facility without his/her consent. Naturally, many of these teens become angry and rebellious and just do what they have to do to serve their time and get out. Hopefully, even these teens get enough information, support, education, and tools that they will not go back to doing the same stuff when they get out.
If you are a parent seeking treatment for your teen you must realize there is no quick fix to drug abuse and/or alcohol addiction. Some teens will be able to fight their addiction within a few months, some a few years, while others may struggle with it their entire lives. The important thing is getting them help, and finding them that is best suited for him/her.
There are many drug treatment facilities that specialize in teen drug treatment, while other adult facilities may have a someone who specializes in teen drug abuse. There is also non-residential treatment including group and/or individual counseling or therapy. These can also help provide medications, monitoring, and provide support for their sobriety. Some teens may need only one of these options while some may need all of them. You may even wish to get them some one-on-one counselling prior to placing them in a treatment program.
When looking for treatment for your teen seek advice from your teens doctor, school counselor, or church leaders who know your child and the situation. These people should have information on what is available in your area and be able to guide you to find resources for recovery. Be sure to find out all you can about the treatment programs you are considering and find out that best suites you, your teen, and your family. Please note there are also family therapy programs that can help the family heal along with the addict. There is often times many underlying issues going on within the family besides the teens behavior and it is important that family members come together to resolve these issues, support the addict in their sobriety, and are able to heal along with the addict.
Finally, a word of caution. Sometimes teens leave these troubled teen programs and are even more excited about trying other drugs. Why? Because they are with other teens addicts who teach them more about other drugs. Sometimes even giving them more connections to their drug world than they had before. Some studies argue it is better for teens to have one-on-one therapy instead of group settings. Some treatment centers focus on how out-of-control teens are when in fact, the teen feels like they are in control.
And remember, it won’t be a quick fix, but with diligence, your teen can be drug and alcohol free again.
