Drug Rehab for Teens: How it Can Help and What to Expect

In 2018, The United Nations reported that around 269 million people used drugs. This was a 30% increase in 2009, and just as concerning, adolescents and young adults accounted for the largest share of users. Using drugs is commonplace, and for many people, substance use starts with adolescent experimentation. Often it is viewed as an inevitable rite of passage, and, as a person grows up, the novelty fades, priorities shift, and the opportunities and desire to take drugs lessen. For some, though, this initial teenage experimentation leads to the abuse of more and different drugs and eventually addiction.

As a parent or caregiver, navigating the situation when your teenager starts to use substances can be difficult. You may be concerned about their well-being and the risk of serious health issues or death. Although teenagers often use substances without lasting harm, and you may well have done so yourself, there is always an associated risk. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that the majority of adults who meet the criteria for having a substance use disorder started using substances during their teen and young adult years. Even if they are not yet addicted, they may become addicted in the future.

You should trust your instincts, and if you suspect, or know, that your teenager’s use of substances is a cause for concern, there are things you can do to help. By addressing the situation now, you can reduce the chances of long-term harm and addiction.

While every person and every drug is different, there are four stages an adolescent will go through to become addicted. It is essential to differentiate between occasional use, substance abuse, and full-scale addiction. While casual use can develop into an addiction in time, the approach a parent makes and the treatment of the situation should reflect the stage at which the individual is currently:

While older people have higher rates of substance abuse, many teenagers still have drug and alcohol addiction issues. The SAMHSA 2018 Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 2.7% of adolescents (aged 12 to 17) had an illicit drug use disorder, and 1.6% of adolescents had an alcohol use disorder.

Dangers associated with substance abuse include increased risk of health problems and loss of relationships with friends and family. There are some risks, though, that are more prevalent in teenagers than in other groups in society:

1. Impact on Brain Development

One area of particular concern is the development of the brain during a critical period of development and maturation.

2. Impaired Decision-making Abilities

Studies have shown that the effect of substances on a young person’s decision-making skills is of particular concern. Risky decision-making is especially apparent with sexual behavior. For example, one study found that nonmedical use of prescription drugs puts high school students at risk for sexually transmitted infections. Even a less potent drug such as marijuana increases the occurrence of risky sexual activity. Marijuana use by age 14 years clearly distinguished girls who became pregnant by age 15 years.

3. Mental Health Issues

Substance abuse while the brain develops in adolescence can increase the risk of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Half of the individuals who experience a substance use disorder during their lives will also experience a mental health co-occurring disorder.

4. Chances of Overdose

With all substance use, there is a risk of overdose and death. Drug overdose amongst teenagers is still relatively uncommon compared to other age groups but is rising. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the greatest percentage increase in drug overdose from 2019 to 2020 (49%) occurred among young people aged 15-24.

Although anyone can abuse substances and develop an addiction, certain factors identify those at a greater risk. Many of these factors are associated with childhood experiences. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that the more risks a child is exposed to, the more likely the child will abuse drugs.

If you know that your child has any risk factors, it is advisable to address them as early as possible. Studies suggest that early intervention following childhood trauma exposure could help reduce the risk of developing substance use disorders.

Knowing how todetect the early signs of drug use in teenagers will enable you to address the matter quickly, reduce the chances of escalating situations and enhance the prospect of long-term recovery.

7 common signs of drug use and addiction in teens are:

1. Have their social habits changed? If they have started to withdraw from friends and family and are avoiding situations that they used to enjoy, this may be a sign that they are using drugs. They may have new friends and acquaintances, and you may be cautious or consider them a bad influence.
2. Do they have a lack of interest in activities? If your teenager suddenly seems disinterested in hobbies and pastimes that they previously enjoyed, this could signify that they are taking drugs and that this has become their main priority. Sometimes they still partake, but their performance in sports and other activities suffers due to withdrawal symptoms.
3. Have their sleeping patterns changed? Is your teenager sleeping more or less than usual or at unusual times of the day? Teenagers can often be difficult to rouse in the morning, but this can become even more challenging when using drugs.
4. Is their schoolwork suffering? If you have seen a noticeable downturn in their academic performance, this could be due to a lack of interest or motivation in learning and doing well. When someone is addicted to drugs, they struggle to concentrate on anything else and instead spend their time seeking opportunities to take more drugs.
5. Has their physical appearance changed? Withdrawal symptoms and the effects of drugs can cause someone to eat more or less than usual and, as a result, gain or lose weight rapidly. Due to a lack of motivation in things unrelated to drugs, they may start to neglect their physical appearance and show signs of being ill such as sunken eyes and pale skin. Their clothes, skin, and hair may have different smells you do not recognize.
   
6. Are they behaving differently? Teenage behavior can be unpredictable, but as a parent, you may be concerned that they are acting especially erratically or are particularly moody. They may be making bad decisions, rebelling against family rules, or getting into trouble with the Police. They may appear more anxious and paranoid than usual, which are common withdrawal symptoms from drugs.
7. Have you caught them lying to you? When teenagers engage in activities they know their parents would disapprove of, they often become secretive and tell lies to cover their tracks. You may find that they hide away from you more than usual and are noticeably more protective over their belongings and personal space, such as their backpack, bedroom, or car.

If you answered yes to some of the questions above, you might wish to address your concerns with your teenager. It can be challenging to know where to start. Or maybe you have tried to raise the subject but been met with hostility, defiance, or disregard? Here’s how to properly discuss addiction and addiction treatment with your teenager:

Once you have broached the subject of addiction treatment and received a favorable response, you will need to know where to turn for reliable and trustworthy advice and support. There are many options available specifically dedicated to teen addiction. Some examples are:

Now that your teenager has acknowledged that they need help, you may wonder what the various drug rehab programs are and which is suitable for your child. The first thing to be aware of is that everyone’s treatment plan is different. It depends on the needs of the individual, what substance or substances they are abusing and whether they have a co-occurring mental health concern.

As a general rule, alcohol, and drug treatment programs for teenagers have the same options available as for older people:

Some recovery centers will not accept patients under 18 years of age; therefore, you may need to find one with addiction treatment plans specifically designed for adolescents. While the treatments on offer are likely to be similar to other treatment centers, a dedicated teen rehab program will take into account the specific needs of young people. Some of the benefits of this are:

Fully Trained and Experienced Staff

The staff at dedicated teen drug rehabs are trained to interact with teenagers effectively. As stated in an April 2022 news release from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, we want to minimize shame and sense of failure for young people with Substance Use Disorders. They will ensure that their patients do not feel judged or patronized and will listen to their opinions and feelings. If a treatment plan is too regimented or does not cater to their specific needs, it could cause teenagers to lose faith in the process and rebel. A good treatment program for adolescents will ensure they receive the right level of care in the right way. The treatment suggested will be as engaging as possible to maintain motivation and commitment to recovery.

Behavioral Health Support

The treatment services available will likely include mental health treatment programs specifically designed for adolescents. They will address the impact of drugs on developing brains. They will also address teenage behavioral health and encourage healthy decision-making skills. Teenagers will be provided tools to avoid situations and people encouraging them to take drugs. They will be offered alternative coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, anxiety, and other aspects of their life.

Support from Peers

A further benefit to a dedicated teen rehab center is developing relationships with people of a similar age with similar experiences. Peer support can be highly effective in ensuring long-term recovery from substance addiction.

Once your teenager has agreed to receive help and you have received pricing information from your chosen drug rehab center, you may be concerned about how you will pay for it. Most accredited healthcare providers have a variety of payment options available.

If you have the funds available, you can usually choose to pay outright or in installments. In some cases and some states, it is possible to obtain support through government grants and charities. Even if this is the case, it is still a good idea to check with your health insurance provider as all policies must, by law, include some drug and alcohol addiction treatment. It is also worth exploring Medicaid and other forms of public healthcare insurance.

As a parent or caregiver, there are many ways in which you can help your child to overcome addiction. Witnessing the effect that drugs or alcohol are having on your child can be scary and upsetting, and addressing the situation can be fraught with challenges. To make this process as smooth as possible, you must find the best approach for both of you. The most important thing is to start now, as addressing the situation as soon as possible is imperative to achieving a successful outcome. By assisting your child onto the path to recovery, you can help ensure that they have a happy and healthy future.