Teen Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles

Cases of teen alcohol addiction have continued to rise. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Authority (SAMHSA) has been investigating the trend in teen alcohol use and found that 30% of teens drink before the age of 15, and 60% drink by the age of 18. Despite the awareness and dangers posed by adolescents who drink alcohol, teenagers continue to illegally consume alcohol, regardless of the effects on their brains and overall health. This is why it’s important for parents to get help for their teen right away to minimize long-term adverse effects.

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What is Considered Teen Alcoholism?

Teen Alcohol Abuse Causes

What are the Signs of Teen Alcoholism?

Alcohol Treatment for Adolescents in Los Angeles, CA

Understanding Teen Alcohol Abuse

What is Considered Teen Alcoholism?

There is a set of criteria that must be met for a teen to be considered an alcoholic, along with a number of drinks per day that is considered alcoholism. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines 4 drinks a day for men, and 3 drinks a day per women heavy alcohol use associated with alcoholism. Other criteria that must be met for teen alcohol abuse includes craving alcohol or a strong desire for it, loss of control over drinking habits, physical withdrawal symptoms when unable to drink, and putting yourself in physical danger while intoxicated.

Causes of Teen Alcoholism

Teen Alcohol Abuse Causes

There has been a lot of discussion about what drives teenagers into alcohol. While genetics can come into play as far as predisposition goes, a lot of the causes of teen alcohol abuse are social and environmental. Some of the reason for teenage drinking include:

Peer Pressure: Adolescents often struggle with the fear of missing out due to peer pressure. They use alcohol to look trendy and “cool” like their drinking peers.
Stress: Adolescents may indulge in alcoholism in order to cope with stress and anxiety. Before they realize it, they become dependent on it.
Observation: Most teenagers like to experiment with what people older than them do, including drinking. If their parents are alcoholics, teens are more likely to indulge.
Easy Access: Easy access to alcohol drives adolescents to consume alcohol. Adolescents get alcohol from family members and friends.

Teen Alcohol Abuse Signs

What are the Signs of Teen Alcoholism?

While a clinical diagnosis determines whether an adolescent is addicted to alcohol, there are obvious signs that signal teen alcohol abuse. Signs can range from psychological to severe physical symptoms. Common signs of teenage alcoholism include:

MOOD SWINGS

An alcoholic describes mood swings that range from high irritability to anxiety or depression.
LACK OF CONCENTRATION

Young people become less attentive in class or at home. Loss of attention after a short time becomes a common phenomenon and they gradually lose their memory.
ABNORMALITIES IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Alcohol addicts can also show coordination problems. The most common abnormalities include speech disorders, poor motor coordination and abnormal behavior.
DROP IN PERFORMANCE AT SCHOOL

As soon as a teenager becomes addicted to alcohol, his school grades drop significantly. Ironically, the teenager shows no signs of concern about the drop. In the worst-case scenario, they could drop out of school.
LETHARGY

Alcohol impairs the brain and body tissues, making the person feel lethargic. They can change from active activity to a full-day idle.
CHANGE IN PEER GROUP

The teenager changes his peer group and joins those who tolerate his behavior. If the teenager’s peer group includes cyclists, they could join other teenagers who want to party.

Teen Alcoholism Treatment by Key Healthcare

Alcohol Treatment for Adolescents in Los Angeles, CA

There are many ways to help your teenager stop abusing alcohol. A majority of the time, adolescents will use alcohol to cope with their mental health issues. This is why Key Healthcare provides dual diagnosis alcohol addiction treatment to treat both the mental health condition and substance abuse. We develop individualized treatment plans to ensure long-term recovery for your child. If you are interested in learning more about our teen alcohol abuse treatment options, contact us today.

Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP)

Our teenage alcoholism IOP takes place 9 hours per week over the course of 4-12 weeks. Your teen will participate in therapy sessions that help them work through the reasons for their alcohol use.

Partial Hospitalization Treatment (PHP)

Our teen alcohol abuse PHP takes place 8 hours per day, 5 days a week, for 3-4 weeks. Teens will attend therapy sessions where they will develop the coping skills needed to stop abusing alcohol and treat underlying mental health issues.

Extended Care

Our male-only teenage alcoholism extended care program is a combination of our partial hospitalization program and sober living. Your teen will have around the clock support to treat all mental health and substance abuse issues related to his alcohol use.

Individual and Group Therapy

We utilize a variety of therapies to treat mental health conditions and dual diagnosis alcohol addiction including cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, and acceptance and commitment therapy. During sessions, teens will learn coping skills and how to process their emotions.

Insurances We Accept

Up to 100% of the Costs Covered by Insurance

Key Healthcare works with a majority of health insurance providers and depending on your plan, 100% of the costs may be covered. Verify your insurance to get more information about your coverage.