Many young men and teenagers gravitate to using substances because of mental health disorders. However, compared to girls, boys are less likely to get a diagnosis for mental health problems. Further, boys tend to externalize mental health problems, while girls internalize them. Excessive anger, aggression, risk-taking behavior, and substance use are all signs of externalized mental health problems. Therefore, finding the right fit for your son is crucial for their recovery. Clearfork Academy specializes in treating teen boys with trauma-specific behavioral issues and mental health disorders. Let’s take a closer look at the impact of substance use disorders (SUD) in young males and the best questions to ask when seeking help.
The Impact of SUD on Teen Males
Monitoring the Future 2019 study reveals a pattern of gender differences in teen substance use. Teen boys have higher rates of substance use than females. By the time students reach 12th grade, male substance use increases far more than female use. Research shows additional differences between male and female substance use:
- Males, especially teens, engage in binge drinking at a much higher rate than females. They seek it for the supposed thrill, peer pressure, and to lower inhibitions.
- Male teens are at a higher risk of using illicit or marijuana.
- Compared to girls, researchers discovered boys become dependent on multiple substances.
- Boys who use substances experience legal issues due to committing crimes like vandalism at a higher rate.
- Males experience greater withdrawal symptoms than females, which makes it harder for them to stay sober.
Treatment for Male Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorders often stem from underlying trauma, attachment wounds, anxiety, and depression. Long-term care is the most effective treatment for teens with SUDs. Residential facilities or intensive outpatient treatment provides a safe, supportive environment where teen boys can heal and learn skills to avoid relapse. The following questions will help you determine the best fit for your teen.
#1. Do You Specialize in Adolescent Treatment?
Consider a program that understands the specific needs of teenagers and has a tailored approach to treatment. For instance, a center that specializes in adolescent trauma should understand adolescent brain development regarding mental health issues. Clearfork Academy understands the importance of recovery for the teen’s brain development. Therefore our treatment properly addresses teen-specific issues.
#2. Does the Treatment Facility Address My Teen’s Behavioral Issues?
A trauma-focused treatment center that specializes in mental health will best serve your teen. Behavioral issues often stem from a traumatic event or a mental health issue. A trauma-focused treatment center is uniquely equipped to handle mental health conditions that stem from trauma, distressing experiences, or chemical imbalances in the brain. At Clearfork Academy, we specialize in trauma therapy and dual diagnosis.
#3. What Do They Offer in Terms of Detoxification?
The detoxification process assists the person’s body to release substances quickly and safely, with limited withdrawal symptoms. There are two main types of detoxes that are helpful for you to know.
- Medically Assisted Treatment: With a medically assisted treatment, a team of clinicians monitors the participants’ blood pressure and heart rate while they are in withdrawal. With such extensive monitoring, clinicians identify any potential issues, like a seizure, before it happens.
- Medical Detoxes: A medically trained team will assist your detox. They will monitor symptoms 24/7, administering prescribed medications to help to ease withdrawal symptoms.
#4. Do They Accept Insurance?
It’s always best to ask upfront about all the costs associated with treatment and what your insurance may cover. If the insurance cannot cover everything, ask about payment plans or even a scholarship/financial aid.
#5. What Is the Length of the Program?
Some people think that a 28-day program is enough to reach the desired sobriety. But addiction is a complex problem involving both physical and mental damage. Research suggests that the most effective treatments for teens last 60 days or longer.
#6. Is the Clinical Team Proficient?
When your teen needs treatment, you want them to have access to the best care possible. We recommend you ask about the team at the facility. Ask about their qualifications, level of education, and experience. A treatment center, like Clearfork Academy, only keeps fully licensed, expert clinicians.
#7. Do They Provide Life Skills Counseling and an Aftercare Plan?
When you experience a setback, job loss, or other stressors, make sure there is a plan in place to deal with it. Good drug rehab programs offer life skills training to empower those who struggle to find solutions and keep them from returning to substances.
The best facilities help you plan to avoid relapse after you finish your addiction-treatment program. You can talk to your rehab program staff about their post-rehab programs and relapse prevention plan that can help you stay on the straight and narrow.
Is your teenage son ready to start treatment for their substance use disorder? As a chronic illness, SUD affects many factors of a person, like their minds, body, and emotions. Many teen males with SUD experience triggers like genetic makeup, past traumas, mental health disorders, or peer pressure. The right treatment will help them resolve such issues. At Clearfork Academy, we recommend parents work to find the most suitable treatment facility for their son. Take the time to research the various treatment options available. Since Clearfork Academy provides tailored, specialized care, we will be there for you every step of this journey. As a multifaceted treatment center, we offer a continuum of care that includes residential and outpatient services to support the whole person. We tailor our services to fit the specific needs of each individual and their family members. Find out more by calling us today at (817) 259-2597.
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
