Addiction Treatment for Adolescents

Adolescence is a time of drastic changes, growth, and development for young people. It is a time when many young people start looking outside their family unit for cues about what to do, how to behave, and things to try. Unfortunately, this also means that some adolescents will run into trouble with drugs or alcohol. As a parent or caregiver, it can be hard to know when to seek outside help, but if your young loved one is getting involved with drugs or alcohol, it is a good idea to seek a professional assessment. Addiction treatment for adolescents can help a young person who is floundering regain control of their life and behavior. Reach out to Grace Counseling today at 844.564.0712 to discover the adolescent addiction treatment options open to you.

How To Tell If Your Adolescent Loved One Needs Help

No one wants to believe that their adolescent has a drug or alcohol issue, but being educated about the signs and symptoms of adolescent substance abuse can help a parent or caregiver spot the signs and intervene at an earlier stage. Some of the signs that an adolescent may be using drugs or alcohol are:

Secretive behavior
Items, money, or prescription medicines missing from the home
Interactions with law enforcement or getting in trouble at school
Drastic changes in appearance
Uncharacteristic mood swings, depression, or anxiety
Poor grades
Loss of interest in hobbies and activities that were previously enjoyed

What Is an Addiction Treatment Program for Adolescents Like?

Programs that treat substance abuse and addiction in adolescents are, by necessity, different from those for adults. In programs devoted to the treatment of young people, patients will meet people their age who share similar experiences and are also engaged in the process of recovery. Programs for adolescents will utilize various treatment methods and therapeutic activities to help each patient work towards recovery and sobriety in a way that is tailored to their needs.

Some programs are inpatient, meaning that the adolescent will stay at the treatment center for weeks or months while undergoing treatment. Other programs utilize a partial hospitalization program, which combines intensive outpatient therapy with attendance at support group meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.

What Are the Benefits of Adolescent Addiction Treatment?

There are many benefits to seeking out a licensed adolescent addiction treatment program. Some of these are:

The earlier a person receives treatment for substance misuse disorder; the better are their chances of maintaining their sobriety over time.
Adolescents especially benefit from engaging with group counseling that includes peers. This type of treatment helps young people set up a strong support network outside of their immediate family and friends circle, increasing their chances of remaining abstinent from drugs and alcohol.
Often, adolescents who turn to drugs and alcohol may be dealing with an as-yet undiagnosed mental health issue. Addiction treatment can help young people struggling with their mental health receive appropriate treatment and guidance about managing their condition in ways that don’t include substance abuse.
Receiving addiction treatment can help the young person and their whole family heal from the trauma of substance abuse. Over time, relationships that have been damaged can be addressed and repaired through therapy and by building more effective communication skills.

Adolescent addiction treatment exists to help young people face their challenges and heal.

Learn More by Reaching Out to Grace Counseling

If you are a parent or caregiver of an adolescent who you suspect might need help, reach out to our caring and professional staff at Grace Counseling today at 844.564.0712. In the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we are committed to helping our clients, and their families discover the way back to health, wellness, and sobriety. The best time to seek help is now, so contact us at 844.564.0712 right away.