teen drug rehab

Young adults and teens can succumb to drug and alcohol addiction just the same as their adult counterparts. In fact, they are statistically more likely to become addicted when exposed to substances at an early age. Drug addiction for teens can provide teenagers suffering from addiction the safety and care need while beginning their recovery.

Why Do Teens Try Drugs and Alcohol?

There is no single reason why teenagers use drugs or alcohol. However, there are many different reasons that can influence drug and alcohol use and abuse in young adults.

For instance, the stressors of school, puberty, and peer pressure have the potential to push naive youths toward a life of addiction. The need to “fit in” is an incredibly powerful motivator to young adults and peer pressure can often lead to your teen using drugs or alcohol to gain social acceptance.

Driving Factors of Teen Drug and Alcohol Abuse:

• Peer Pressure
• Media Glamorization
• Self-medication/ Escapism
• Boredom
• Teenage Rebellion
• Instant Gratification
• Low Self-Esteem
• Misinformation

Peer pressure, low self-esteem, and undiagnosed depression and anxiety are often combined in teens, causing them to bend to the influence of their friends. As a result, teens try drugs and alcohol because they lack the self-confidence to reject addictive substances when they are offered to them. Following their substance abuse, many teens suffering from depression and social anxiety tend to feel the momentary euphoria and associate drug abuse with emotional relief.

Additionally, the glamorization of alcohol and drugs has steadily increased, especially within the 2000s, to the point where addiction is normalized and even romanticized in the eyes of most teenagers. Every single media outlet, where television, movies, novels, and social media apps depict alcoholism and drug addiction as a cool enhancement to an individual’s personality. The half-truths, lies of omission, and blatant lies spread across the internet trick teens into idolizing substance abuse at younger and younger ages.

How Do I Protect My Teen From Drug and Alcohol Addiction?

Nowadays teens are drinking and using drugs at an earlier age than ever. They are also turning to more dangerous substances. Drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, molly, and marijuana are commonplace throughout teen social circles. What used to be considered somewhat “normal” experimentation, could now turn into a deadly mistake.

As a result, parents should monitor their children, allowing for boundaries and respect while encouraging honest and open conversations regarding their teen’s mental and emotional health. Promoting a safe and trusting household allows teens the comfortability to reach out if they are having issues that may later lead to substance abuse. These open lines of communication prevent you from inadvertently isolating your teenager and losing out on vital information that might have prevented their addiction from forming. In fact, healthy boundaries are of utmost importance as helicopter parenting can have an adverse effect, pushing teenagers to rebel against strict parents.

Instead of implementing harshly structured rules, or no rules whatsoever, allowing teens space, promoting a positive back-and-forth, and offering help when needed can set your teen up for success.

Does My Teen Need Treatment?

Addiction is hard enough when an adult loved one is struggling with substance abuse, but most people can’t fathom their child succumbing to drug and alcohol addiction. The stress and emotional turmoil that occurs after finding out your teen is addicted to drugs and alcohol is devasting. However, it is important to remember that recovery is possible through the love and understanding of the teen’s parents alongside addiction treatment in drug rehab.

What Happens In Drug Rehab for Teens?

Drug rehab for teens is a very similar process as adult treatment. There are a few subtle differences, most notably in the programs that they offer. For instance, most teen programs will offer an educational program. This sets teens up for success after treatment, not allowing them to fall behind on their academics. You may also see differences in the groups that are offered.

Types of treatments in a teen drug rehab include:

• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Relapse prevention
• Family therapy
• 12-step programs
• Medication management

Therapy and addiction education is incredibly important to successfully instill sustained recovery in a teen. Allowing teens a space to express themselves, their aspirations, fears, doubts, and issues, can provide therapists and parents the information they need to improve the teen’s mental state so they can maintain a fulfilling life of sobriety.

Contact Our Addiction Specialists

If you suspect that your teenage child may be abusing drugs or alcohol, it may be time to get them into treatment. Drug rehabs for teens are dedicating to providing teens with the help they need. Royal Life Centers wants to help you find the right place for your teen’s recovery. Our addiction specialists will refer you to an outreach specialist who can provide you with quality drug rehabs for teens. Call us anytime, day or night, to speak with one of our treatment experts at (877)-RECOVERY.