Teen Drug Treatment Help
When parents or family members discover a teen's problem with drug abuse, they may be upset and feel very discouraged. However, there are many options and ways that teens can be treated for drug abuse. Teens can go on to live healthy, productive lives and options exist for their treatment and success. Many parents may not know if their teen is involved in drug abuse. Here are some symptoms and common signs that a teen is involved with drugs:
- Sudden personality changes that could include abrupt changes in work or school attendance, quality of work, work output, grades, discipline
- Unusual flare- ups or outbreaks of temper
- Withdrawal from responsibility or activities
- General changes in overall attitude
- Loss of interest in what were once favorite hobbies and pursuits
- Changes in friends and reluctance to have friends visit or talk about them
- Difficulty in concentration or paying attention
- Sudden jitteriness, nervousness, or aggression
- Increased secretiveness
- Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming
- Wearing of sunglasses at inappropriate times
- Continual wearing of long-sleeved clothing, particularly in hot weather or reluctance to wear short-sleeved attire when asked
- Association with people who use drugs
- Unusual borrowing of money from friends, co-workers, or parents
- Stealing small items from a job or employer, home or school, or hangout location
- Secretive behavior regarding actions and possessions
- Poorly conceived attempts to avoid others attention
- Frequent trips to the bathroom, basement, storage room, or other secluded, private areas
- Learn more signs here
Once parents recognize the signs of abuse, and are positive that their teen is involved in such behavior, they should take the appropriate steps to treat the drug abuse. Factors such as age, values, culture, and family factors should be considered when looking into treatment.
Programs Available For Teen Drug Abuse
Impatient Hospitalization: Teens are treated as a medical and/or psychiatric patient in a traditional hospital setting.
Outpatient Treatment: Patients must be seen regularly so drug and alcohol abuse can be monitored. Some patients combine outpatient treatment with a 12 step program. Either case, it is imperative that frequent drug testing be completed. Outpatient treatment might also include detoxification or drug rehabilitation.
Day Treatment: Day treatment programs are for teens who have been unable to find success in an outpatient program, but who do not require 24-hour care. Programs coordinate with the child's home and/or school to allow teens to continue their normal daily routine.
Residential Treatment Center: Teens requiring specialized counseling and supervision that have been previously unsuccessful in a day or outpatient treatment program are good candidates for residential treatment. Residential treatment centers include clinical hospital settings as well as a more home-like and school environment.
Wilderness Therapy Program: While these program do not typically have academics, their goal is to introduce your child to new ways of thinking. They make obtainable goals for teens to reach and build low self-esteem. Although the length may vary, typical programs last between 6 to 8 weeks.
We have created a list of programs and treatment options. To see what treatment may be right for your teen, click here.