Today there are many different rehabilitation programmes for teenagers. Each drug rehabilitation centre for adolescents has its own characteristics and style of treatment.
It can be difficult to decide which programme is best for your child, although there is a lot of help. Here are some issues to consider when choosing a drug rehabilitation facility for a teenager.
Is my teenage drug use an experiment or an addiction?
Before parents even look for a treatment facility, they need to determine whether their teen is struggling with addiction or drug addiction, or whether their drug use is experimental. It is important for parents to recognise that there is a difference between experimenting with drugs or alcohol and dependence on these substances.
When a child is addicted to a substance, there are certain signs of abuse, and different types of substances can show different signs of abuse. If you suspect what type of substance your child may be abusing, it is helpful to look for details about that substance.
Signs of adolescent drug and alcohol abuse include:
- Changes in appearance
- Stealing money
- Appetite changes
- Poor sleeping habits
- Excessive secrecy
- Sudden drop in grades or academic performance
Types of drug rehabilitation programmes for adolescents
There are two main types of youth rehabilitation: inpatient and outpatient programmes. The main difference between the two programmes is whether patients stay in the facility all day or only go to treatment appointments. Inpatient and outpatient may include many of the same therapies, but there are generally more intensive types of treatment in an inpatient setting.
The specific nature of the teen’s addiction and other medical and mental health needs determine whether an inpatient or outpatient program is best for him.
Inpatient rehab Inpatient rehabilitation for young people offers a number of advantages. Teenage patients stay in the facility all day and night, which is especially helpful if they need to go through a detox before starting therapy. During inpatient treatment, doctors are likely to be available 24 hours a day to provide medical help if they have severe withdrawal symptoms.
An inpatient facility can also keep young people away from their peers and triggers, which led them to take drugs at all. Going to inpatient rehab can be scary for both a teenager and his family. For the teenager, it could feel like they are being punished or their family doesn’t want them with them anymore.
Fortunately, most inpatient facilities allow parents and other family members to visit and participate in certain parts of the treatment, such as family therapy. It is also important that parents assure their teenagers that they still love them and that the teen receives the necessary medical help, not punishment.
In outpatient drug rehabilitation for teenagers, appointments are made during the day in a clinic or facility, but no overnight stays. Patients can participate in individual or group therapy or in various forms of therapy that have been specially developed for adolescents. Depending on the offers of the rehabilitation facility, parents and families can come and take part in some treatment activities or get advice.
Takeaway
It is always a good idea to go to a youth drug rehabilitation facility and speak to staff there before you are fully committed. Before visiting a rehab centre, make a list of questions that you want to ask employees or directors. You can use this list to ensure that you have all the information you need to choose the right place for your teens.
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Image credit: Freepik
Wendy Whitehead worked as a teaching assistant at two special needs schools in London before embarking on a different career as a marketing consultant.
