best treatment methods for teen addiction

Substance abuse affects one out of every fourteen people in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), it involves “replacing a person’s usual hierarchy of wants and aspirations with new priorities associated with obtaining and consuming the drug.” There is no single reason why a person uses drugs. Some people might use them to cope with stress, trauma, or mental health difficulties. However, addiction is commonly caused by a combination of factors, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. That being said, several treatments can effectively help a teen struggling with substance abuse or addiction:

Behavioral Treatment Programs in Outpatient Rehab

Definition and Objectives Benefits
  • Behavioral therapy is a comprehensive term for a variety of methods that improve maladaptive habits.
  • This type of treatment aims to detect and assist in the correction of harmful or unhealthy habits.
  • It is based on the notion that all behaviors are learned, and those harmful behaviors can be eradicated.
  • The aim is to strengthen positive behaviors while eliminating negative ones.
  • Helps people get involved in drug abuse treatment.
  • Provides incentives to stay free from drugs or alcohol.
  • Changes attitudes and behaviors regarding drug abuse.
  • Improves life skills to deal with stressful situations and environmental cues.
  • Enhances social skills.
  • Helps manage or resist cravings for drugs to avoid starting a new cycle of compulsive abuse.

Family-Based Therapies in Outpatient Rehab

Definition and Objectives Benefits
  • It serves as an alternative to standard treatments.
  • One of its goals is to strengthen all the family members’ communication and relational dynamics.
  • Also known as the Maudsley approach.
  • FBT is a hands-on therapy carried out by qualified experts. Although certain residential and partial hospitalization programs (PHP) integrate FBT, it is generally offered in outpatient settings.
  • It is an intensive outpatient program that aims to keep teens free from substance abuse, drug addiction, or other struggles in life.
  • Parents constantly participate in the therapy until their child is healed physically, emotionally, and mentally.
  • Considers each member of the family as a source of support.
  • Assists the family members in understanding one another.
  • Strengthens family ties.
  • Teaches how to communicate feelings more effectively.
  • Teaches how to be honest with one another.
  • Resolves any family issues, such as sibling rivalry.
  • Improves communication between parents and children.
  • Helps create a safe place at home.

Recovery Support Services

Definition and Objectives Benefits
  • Recovery Support Programs refer to a wide range of non-clinical services that help people and their families start, stabilize, and sustain long-term recovery from substance use disorders.
  • Assists people with mental and drug use problems in successfully managing their illnesses.
  • It might include care coordination, recovery coaching, teen rehab aftercare program, spiritual counselling, group support, and recovery housing.
  • Improves health and wellness.
    Empowers people in various ways.
  • Supports people struggling with drugs or substance abuse.
  • Introduces new healthy habits.
  • Improves decision-making skills.
  • Fosters self-directed lives so people can reach their full potential.
  • Effective supportive treatment.

Alternative Options for Recovery Support

Teen addiction is a challenging disorder that must be overcome with numerous treatments. They should be evidence-based approaches tailored to the patient’s needs. We provide various teen treatments, all of which are designed to improve the patient’s social skills and outlook. Here are other alternative options for recovery support:

Therapy Definition and Objectives
Group Teen Therapy
  • Teens with similar struggles assemble in a common place for counselling.
  • It allows them to share their experiences and ideas freely.
  • These meetings foster a sense of community and trust among peers, encouraging people to open up.
  • A certified mental health practitioner leads these treatment sessions.
Exercise Therapy
  • Also known as Fitness Therapy.
  • It teaches techniques for converting cravings or behaviours into healthy activities.
  • Includes a regimen of physical activities designed to assist patients in recovering from their conditions.
  • Encourages people to change their activities and lifestyle.
  • Suitable for both mental and physical issues.
Art Therapy
  • Art therapy is a type of mental health treatment that involves using art materials and the creative process to help people examine their emotions, alleviate anxiety, and boost their self-esteem.
  • Encourages people to express their feelings and emotions through painting, sketching, or modelling.
  • Resolves psychological issues.
  • Improves people’s communication and focus.
  • Reduces self-isolation.
  • Improves self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness.
Spiritual Therapy
  • A type of counselling that aims to treat a person’s soul, as well as their mind and body, by tapping into their belief systems.
  • Teaches people to trust in a higher power to examine areas of conflict.
  • Alleviates anxieties, depression, and problems.
  • Nurtures inner peace.
Yoga Therapy
  • Yoga therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on improving mental and physical health.
  • Improves focus and attention.
  • Relieves psychological issues.
  • Good physical exercise.
  • Promotes relaxation.
  • Includes postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and guided imagery.
Surf Therapy
  • It is a new type of intervention that combines surfing with individual or group activities to help people improve their psychological, physical, and emotional well-being.
  • Improves focus and attention.
  • Enhances social skills.
  • Improves mood and behaviour.
  • Lighten anxiety, depression, and mental health problems.
Music Therapy
  • Music therapy is an expressive arts treatment that uses music to help people develop and maintain their physical, psychological, and social well-being.
  • Reduces feelings of stress.
  • Mends emotional and behavioural issues.
  • Includes singing, composing songs, or playing instruments.

Does My Teen Need Rehab?

While it might be hard to admit that a child is struggling with addiction or substance abuse, ignoring the issue will likely lead to more severe consequences down the line.Be on the lookout for the following signs to determine if your teen needs rehab:

  • Poor school performance or drops in grades.
  • Sweaty or trembling hands.
  • Being secretive about the things they do.
  • Evidence of use of drugs or drugs paraphernalia.
  • Repeated relapse.
  • Physical changes.
  • Severe behavioural problems.
  • Drastic weight changes.
  • Nasal bleeds or runny nose.
  • Ruined relationships with friends, family, and society.
  • Withdrawal symptoms.
  • Unusual cuts, scars, or wounds.
  • Has tired eyes.
  • Being dishonest.
  • Financial struggles.

Do not wait to see all the signs before seeking professional help. As soon as you suspect that your teen is struggling, contact a professional to get a proper diagnosis. We at Key Healthcare is a provides the best teen mental health services which can help your child to overcome his mental problems.

Tips for Recovery

You should know that drug addiction is not a character defect, a final destination, or a sign of failure. Quitting drugs, alcohol or weed will most likely be one of the most challenging things a person could ever do. No matter how severe the condition appears or how many times an approach has failed before, healing is always possible. If your child gets the right and appropriate treatment, addiction can be eliminated.We highly recommend you share the following tips with your teen to ensure a full recovery:

  1. Inform your friends of your resolve to abstain from drug use.
    Tell your friends that you do not want to use drugs or alcohol anymore. Real friends will understand and respect your decision. This might mean that you need to change your social circle, but it is all right. Again, true friends will support you. If things go well, you can use this opportunity to convince your friends to refrain from using drugs.
  2. Request that your friends or family members be accessible when you need assistance.
    Overcoming drug addiction is extremely hard. The constant support of your family and friends is critical to succeeding in your recovery process. Tell them that you might need them and ask them to help you out with your teen addiction treatment.
  3. Only accept invites to events where you know there will be no drugs or alcohol.
    Do not put yourself in a situation that could lead you to use drugs or alcohol again. Try other activities, like swimming, basketball, mountain climbing.
    Plan out what you can do if you ever find yourself in a situation where drugs or alcohol are available. Establish a saving code with your family or friends, like “I skipped my meal today,” so that those closest to you will know that you need help in that situation. The use of drugs and alcohol is rampant, and temptation can occur at any time. So, make sure you have a plan to deal with this issue.
  4. Remember that having an addiction does not make you a bad or weak person.
    Do not be hard on yourself. There are many stigmas associated with addiction, but you know yourself better than anyone. You are the most constant individual that you can rely on. Addiction is not the end, and it is not a life sentence. With proper treatment, you can overcome addiction. There is always hope for recovery, so don’t give up on yourself.

Healing from addiction is complex, and seeking help from experts is not a sign of weakness or something to feel ashamed of. If your teen is struggling with addiction, let us help. Get in touch with us today for a free and confidential consultation.