Substance Abuse Treatment Centers for Teenagers
Substance abuse in teenagers requires a treatment plan tailored specifically to meet the needs of their age group. The teenager’s entire framework must be taken into consideration, including the emotional, psychological, developmental, physical, familial, and cultural profiles. While substance abuse treatments focus on the addiction, other concurrent problems must also be addressed, including cross-addictions, eating disorders, behavioral problems, mental health, low self-esteem, anger management, anxiety disorders, depression, family dysfunction, and any history of physical or emotional abuse.
The science of substance abuse treatment and recovery has defined a number of specific treatments, and it is the program’s responsibility to decide the right treatment plan for each individual. Because family is an integral part of the recovery process for teenage substance abusers, it is important for parents to become educated about the various options. Family involvement in the treatment and recovery process is essential in this age group.
Substance abuse treatment programs include:
12-Step Programs. Originally, the 12 Step Program was conceived of as a program in Alcoholics Anonymous. It is based on the idea that alcoholics are powerless to stop drinking alcohol; the first step is: “ We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.” The 12-step program was adopted by Narcotics Anonymous, and by Al-Anon, and Nar-Anon, which are programs for the people who have been affected by involvement with the addicted person.
The underlying principle is that substance abusers are dealing with an illness rather than an indulgence, social rebellion, bad habits, low-income lifestyle, or any other similar reason. People following this program must first admit openly that they have a problem. Recovery is achieved by following the steps one at a time, taking responsibility for your own recovery, and relying on the will of “a higher power.” The program functions through a series of meetings or sessions at which each individual shares his or her story with the rest of the group, including challenges, setbacks, history, successes, etc.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy. This is a very structured therapy focused on the concept that our thoughts generate our emotions, and that thoughts can be controlled. The goal of this therapy is to identify the feelings and behavior patterns that are causing the addictive behavior, and replace these thoughts with healthier thoughts and more productive, positive behavior. The therapy teaches that this is possible, even if there is no change in an external situation.
Cognitive Behavior therapists believe that a positive, trusting relationship between patient and doctor is necessary, and they work with the goal tightly focused on sobriety. The therapist works to uncover the patient’s goals and aspirations, and then helps him or her achieve those life goals. This is done by teaching the patient how to control and change his or her destructive thoughts. The therapist is both a coach and a teacher in this type of treatment, and the therapy includes homework assignments such as reading material and other learning tools. Specific concepts are taught at these sessions, including the fact that a patient will have two problems in any singe issue: the problem itself and the patient’s reaction to that problem. This therapy teaches the patient how to remain calm and find solutions rather than reactions.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy works toward changing the present and the future by understanding the past and altering present thinking and behavior. This therapy actively teaches the substance abuser how to choose the most effective behavior and action in order to reach a desirable outcome.
Family Treatment. Family therapy is particularly effective for teenagers and young adults working to overcome addiction and addictive behavior. Particularly in this age group, the family tends to be intricately involved with the substance abuser. This makes family therapy a very powerful force in the recovery process.
Family therapy works toward identifying family issues and family-related behavior that triggers addictive cravings and behavior. It also focuses on using the collective strength of the family to help the substance abuser discover ways to remain sober and to alleviate the pain and the guilt of their past behavior. In this therapy, the family unit is treated as a single entity rather than therapy being focused entirely on the substance abuser.
The family therapist’s training is geared toward identifying family issues and dysfunction and then intervening by using discussion and problem solving exercises. Therapists are trained to be aware, prepared, and in control as they are dealing with multiple points of view and problems. They are trained to work with complicated issues, such as financial, cultural, racial, and physical and emotional abuse. This therapy adheres to the belief that substance abusers, particularly teenagers and young adults, cannot fully recover and stay sober if family issues remain unresolved.
Group Therapy. Group therapy is important in the recovery process as it teaches the substance abuser how to function and relate in a social situation, and it also helps the patient realize that they are not alone or singled-out in terms of their problems. Groups can be tailored to fulfill specific functions. These may include educational groups, which teach a patient about addiction and the addictive personality; relapse prevention groups in which addicts share their struggle and learn the skills to remain sober; cognitive behavior groups, which teach the addict how to change their patterns of thinking and behavior that have resulted in their addiction; process groups in which people work together to identify destructive social problems and traumatic events that have led to their addiction; and support groups, which provide a forum for patients to offer feedback, constructive criticism, and support.
The group situation requires that all members participate in the process. When a member is unable or will not make that commitment, peer pressure exerts a positive force to bring that member into the process. Members can gain strength from the support of other members, and a personal sense of value may be gained in the process of helping others.
Experiential Therapy. This type of program uses different activities that are led by a therapist trained in this type of treatment. The idea is to use the activity to help the patient reconnect with their body in a positive way and in that context, to connect with their inner self. Frequently, teenagers who are addicted to drugs or alcohol avoid new experiences and social situations that don’t involve drug use. These activities help the patient to learn to trust their skills and healthy instincts in a drug-free environment. The activities also provide a therapeutic session in a way that the patient can enjoy, which helps him or her to view therapy in a new light. It also provides exercise and outdoor experiences, which help patients reconnect with their emotions and increase their physical health. In this setting, a therapist will help the patient explore and analyze their emotions, and teach them how to deal with them in a productive manner. The activities provide an opportunity for the patient to overcome obstacles and take on challenges, strengthening their self-confidence and belief in their abilities. Activities may include:
- Art therapy
- Equine therapy
- Hiking
- Yoga
- Snowshoeing
- Rock climbing
- Wilderness activities
Rehabilitation and recovery often require a combination of substance abuse treatments. Effective programs for teenagers and young adults are ones that are customized for each individual. Parents should educate themselves about the various treatments, and be committed to working with their teenager in order to support their children in the recovery process. Parents should also remember that this process requires them to consider their own issues with honesty and a positive attitude.
Article written by Jillian Blume
