Teenagers who are hooked on drugs need drug addiction treatment just as badly as adults. In fact, drug addiction treatment can mean the difference between ruined lives and bright futures for young people with substance abuse problems. Although teens' life circumstances are different from those of older people, they develop addictions in exactly the same ways. Clinical rehabilitation is often the only way for them to achieve lasting sobriety and turn their lives around before it is too late. Here are few of the most successful drug addiction treatment methods for teenagers.
Reducing Enablement
Parents and other guardians frequently contribute to their teens' drug and alcohol problems. They will sometimes enable their children's addictions through tacit approval, fearing rebellion or aggression should they set stricter rules. They may even go so far as to procure the drugs themselves, reasoning that their kids will risk legal trouble by finding them on their own. In any case, enablement needs to cease in order for teens to make lasting recoveries. Parents must be willing to accept temporary rejection and aggression from their children as they stand firm against continued drug use.
Supervised Detoxification
For teens who are physically dependent on cocaine, heroin, alcohol, or other addictive substances, the first step in drug addiction treatment is detox. Doctors carefully monitor a one to two-week process of drug deprivation - a painful but necessary part of recovery. They may administer medications designed to help teens deal with insomnia, depression, and other withdrawal symptoms.
Residential Inpatient Treatment
Like adult addicts, teens must often attend inpatient rehab programs to make the lifestyle changes necessary for clean living. However, they may go to different facilities. Specialized boarding schools exist for teens who suffer from drug problems, eating disorders, and other addictive conditions. Still, older teens who have completed high school may attend the same residential clinics as adults.
Family Counseling
Evidence-based family therapies are especially crucial for teens' recoveries, since they tend to live with their parents. Clinicians will invite parents to participate in therapy sessions, and the group will discuss ways to foster a healthier, happier home life. Rehab specialists may also directly address parents who have shown signs of enablement. They will encourage them to stand firm against future drug use and teach them ways to help their children cope with continued cravings.
Avoiding Related Disorders
Teens often suffer emotional problems which cause them to exhibit a variety of addictive behavior patterns. Even those who complete drug addiction treatment may develop food addictions, anorexia, obsession with schoolwork or hobbies, or other disorders. Not only are these problems dangerous in and of themselves - the stress they induce can easily cause relapse. Teens and their parents must remain focused on balanced, healthy lifestyles in order to stay clean.
Addiction is a devastating disease, but even the most desperate drug users can turn their lives around. If you or someone you love is struggling with drugs or alcohol, call a drug treatment center now for a confidential consultation. You can help restore life to someone right now just by picking up the phone. Why would you do anything else?
