Understanding Fentanyl Addiction in Teens
Fentanyl is an incredibly potent synthetic opioid, 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine and heroin. It is often mixed or cut with other illicitly manufactured street drugs to increase drug potency. Because of this, fentanyl contributes to the majority of drug overdose deaths in youth.
Fentanyl addiction can devastate the lives of teens and their families, increasing the risk of mental health decline, social isolation, homelessness, crime, and death.
Fentanyl addiction in teens is caused by a mix of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.
If you feel your teen may be using fentanyl, look for the following signs:
- Drowsiness or Sedation: Difficulty staying awake with extreme drowsiness and nodding off.
- Slowed Breathing: Irregular or shallow breathing.
- Pinpoint Pupils: Very small (constricted) pupils.
- Upset Stomach: Nausea or vomiting.
- Slurred Speech: Speech is difficult to understand.
- Cold, Clammy Skin: Sweaty skin.
- Loss of Coordination: Unsteady movements, stumbling, or poor balance.
- Weight Loss: Due to self-neglect or reduced appetite.
- Needle Marks: Look for track marks on arms, legs, or other body parts.
Fentanyl Addiction Treatment Program for Teens in Fort Worth, TX
If you’re a parent in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you know this region isn’t just a growing metroplex — it’s our community. And it’s our mission to keep it safe for local Texas youth and tackle the fentanyl crisis. When it comes to treatment, keeping your teen close to home can make a significant difference. Our network of behavioral health centers for teens provides:
- Evidence-based mental health therapies
- Trauma-informed care
- Medication Management
- Group Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Creative Arts Therapies
- Integrated wellness activities
- Physical fitness and outdoor recreation
- Faith-based track (optional)
Levels of Care Offered at Clearfork Academy
Clearfork Academy offers several levels of care to meet teens and their families, no matter where they are in their recovery journey. We help support teens’ recovery journey from start (detox) to finish (aftercare).
Medically Supervised Detox
The first step in the healing process is medically supervised detox, which is essential when withdrawing from a powerful opioid such as fentanyl. Our clinical team monitors your teens’ vitals to make sure they are stable and can prescribe medication to alleviate withdrawal pain or cravings.
Residential Treatment
We offer a structured residence where teenagers live away from home and receive intensive therapy and counseling. Residential treatment can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Throughout this program, teens participate in individualized therapy, group sessions, family therapy, and medication management.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
PHP is a transitional program for teens who are ready to move beyond full-time residential treatment but could still benefit from an intensive support structure. For teens stepping down from full-time residential treatment, PHP aids in long-term recovery as it allows teens to return to their new everyday lives while providing structured treatment.
The PHP program consists of 5 days per week or 20 hours per week of group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy, as clinically appropriate.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our IOP program can serve as a step-down process after completion of the PHP program. It includes three hours of group therapy, individual therapy, and family therapy as clinically appropriate. The IOP program is centered around your teen’s emotional growth and the development of coping skills.
Alumni Program
Our youth alumni network fosters ongoing connections between former patients, their families, and us by:
- Monitoring participants closely
- Providing timely assistance during challenging moments
- Celebrating their achievements and milestones with teens and their families
We have developed a robust community of alumni who support each other in their recovery journey and maintain active engagement. This program is a critical success factor in your teen’s recovery.
Why Choose Clearfork Academy?
- Licensed and Accredited Treatment Center
- Specializing in Youth Mental Health
- Supervised Medical Detox
- Focus on Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
- Access to Outdoor Recreation
- 24/7 Safety and Supervision
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Fentanyl Addiction
Three key signs to look for include whether you have noticed changes in your teen’s behavior, are they withdrawing from activities once enjoyed, and has school performance slipped? We can assess this to confirm.
Recognizing a fentanyl overdose in your teen is critical because it can be fatal without immediate action and even a tiny amount can cause an overdose.
Here are the key signs to watch for: unresponsiveness, slow or stopped breathing, blue or pale lips/fingertips, pinpoint pupils, cold, clammy skin, gurgling or choking sounds, limp body
What to do? Call 911 (or emergency services) RIGHT AWAY – Time is critical. Administer Naloxone (Narcan) if available. Perform rescue breathing every 5 seconds. Stay with them – Keep them on their side.
We offer a personalized approach to addressing both substance abuse and mental health conditions, with our evidence-based therapies and Christian faith-based principles.
With the goal of helping your teen achieve lasting recovery, our programs typically range from several weeks to a few months, with a continuum of care from detox to 1:1 outpatient sessions.
Yes. You can review your policy coverage with our admissions team to decide your best options. Clearfork Academy works with a number of insurance providers.
Yes. We will help you find a financing solution so that treatment is possible for your teen.
Our aftercare support team will welcome your teen to join. To ensure your teen has a smooth transition from the treatment programs, Clearfork Academy has a full continuum of care that can meet the needs of your child no matter the need from detox to outpatient 1/1 counseling.
We welcome family involvement. During the admissions process we will provide visitation details.
