Does My Child Need Teenage Drug Rehabilitation?

The teen brain is in a vulnerable stage of development. Regions that control motivation, decision-making, impulsivity, and reward processing are still growing. This can make them more susceptible to reckless behaviors such as substance abuse.  

Drug and alcohol abuse during the teenage years can have detrimental effects on their mental and physical health, following them into adulthood. 

Understanding the signs of teenage substance abuse and how to approach the issue is important for parents to provide early intervention and proper treatment. 

How To Recognize An Addiction Problem In Teens?

It’s important for parents to build an open line of communication with their teens and be vigilant of signs that could point to a teenage addiction problem. By staying mindful of the signs of drug and alcohol abuse, parents can quickly get their teens the professional support they need. 

Some of the signs of a behavior addiction or substance abuse problem in your teen could include: 

• Finding drugs or alcohol on them or in their belongings 
• Rapid decline in academic performance 
• Visibly coming home high on drugs or drunk (slow & slurred speech, inability to walk or function) 
• Nausea, headaches, or light sensitivity with no direct physical cause 
• Anger, irritability, or aggression
• Isolation
• Secretive behavior 
• Drastic changes in mood that go above and beyond normal teen mood swings 

It’s also important for parents to understand the risk factors that can lead to teenage addiction problems. Sometimes parents want to blame themselves if their teen develops a drug problem, however, there are a variety of causes that can lead to teenage substance abuse problems.  

• Genetics and family history of substance abuse 
• Childhood trauma 
• Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse 
• Underlying mental health problems  
• Low self-esteem
• Academic pressure
• Peer pressure 
• Social rejection
• Curiosity that leads to experimentation 

Can Interventions Help My Teen? 

Sometimes an intervention is necessary for teens struggling with drug and alcohol problems. An intervention is a planned meeting or process that you can do, working with a doctor or mental health professional. It can help your teen understand the severity of their addiction and the impact it has on not only their life, but others as well. 

It involves gathering loved ones of your teen (family, friends, coaches, teachers, members of the faith community, etc.) to talk about the effects that your teen’s addiction is taking on their life and asking them to accept treatment.

During the intervention loved ones may: 

• Provide examples of destructive behaviors and how they affect your teen 
• Offer treatment plans with a clear process and goals 
• Provides a plan of what each loved one will do if your teen doesn’t accept treatment 

Treatment Options for Teenagers 

Several treatment programs exist that can benefit teens experiencing substance abuse problems based on their individual needs and goals. Some of the most common treatment options for teens struggling with drug and alcohol abuse include: 

• Residential treatment: A 30-90 day inpatient rehab that provides 24-7 care
• Partial: Intensive all-day treatment services for teens, while still staying in their community 
• Intensive Outpatient: IOP provides teens the flexibility to stay in school, while still receiving services such as CBT, DBT, and group therapy
• Detox: Usually the first step in substance abuse treatment is to get rid of drugs from the body in a supervised medical setting. 

Things To Consider Before Treatment 

Enrolling your teen in a rehab program is a big step towards overcoming addiction and beginning the path to a new life. However, it can be normal for parents to feel overwhelmed or question whether they are making the right decision. 

Understand what rehab involves before starting them in treatment. Learn about the types of therapies offered, how detox will work, and if they have aftercare services to support your teen’s transition back into the community. 

It’s also important to understand the unique needs of your teen. You may want to consider looking for a specialized treatment program (LGBTQ+, male-only, faith-based, dual diagnosis treatment for certain mental health disorders, etc) 

Some other factors to consider things to consider as a parent before deciding to send your teen to rehab include: 

• Location
• Cost
• Success rates of programs
• Accreditations 
• Availability of Aftercare Services 

Can I Force My Kid To Go To Rehab? 

It’s recommended for parents to try everything they can to get their teens to go to rehab at their own will. The more open they are to getting help, the more effective treatment will be. However, in some cases, parents must decide to put their teens in rehab to protect their child’s safety. 

Many states allow parents to force their children under 18 to attend a drug and alcohol rehab program, even without their consent. Parents can legally enroll teens into a substance abuse treatment center, mental health center, dual diagnosis program, or detox facility. 

If a teen is unwilling to budge, hiring a therapeutic team to provide an intervention and transport the minor to services may be necessary. 

Treatment Options Available At Clearfork Academy

If you identify warning signs of a substance abuse problem in your teen, reach out for professional support to help find the best plan of treatment. 

At Clearfork Academy our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understands the complex nature of substance abuse and mental health disorders in teens. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more.