- 30 Day Rehabilitation
- 90 Day Rehabilitation
- Adolescent Substance Abuse Rehabilitation
- Christian Drug Rehabilitation
- Co-Dependency
- Couples Treatment
- Detoxification
- Drug Addiction Treatment Help
- Drug Rehabilitation
- Extended Treatment
- Gender and Ethnic Specific Treatment
- Health Spa Recovery
- Inpatient Drug Rehab
- Intervention
- Long Term Treatment
- Older Adult Rehabilitation
- Outpatient Treatment
- Private Therapists
- Psychiatric Hospitals
- Psychiatrists
- Sober Escorts & Companions
- Sober Living
- Therapeutic Boarding School
- Tips to Know Before Checking In
- Wilderness Programs or Outdoor Therapy
Adolescent Substance Abuse Rehabilitation
Because of the steady increase in adolescent and young adult substance abuse, rehabilitation centers have begun to design programs that meet the unique needs of this specific group. The age range for this target group is recognized to be between twelve and twenty-four, and medical and mental health professionals have begun to realize that treatment programs cannot simply be modified versions of programs designed for mature adults.
The Need to Specialize
Physical appearances can be deceiving, and this deception has, in fact, help frame treatment programs. Many young adults, and some adolescents, have the appearance of being fully developed. In fact, this is far from the truth: their physiological and psychological development is still ongoing. Because the body is still changing, reactions to illicit drug use and alcohol abuse differ from how mature bodies respond. The same is true of psychological development. An added factor affecting substance abuse is the world view and peer group structure of young adults and adolescents.
The reaction to traumatic experiences is different with young from mature adults. Divorce, death, financial loss, peer pressure, and other life-changing situations are even more problematic because of the lack of experience and problem-coping skills. Peer pressure probably plays the biggest role. The desire to fit in and be a part of a particular group or sub-culture is the impetus for much of the substance abuse among the young.
Treatment options
Adolescents and young adults respond best in peer-to-peer environments. Because of shared sets and circumstances, and cultural parallels, expression and understanding are more quickly achieved. Treatment facilities that specialize in treating this demographic use employ a variety of environments therapy programs . Among them are:
Therapeutic Boarding Schools
These facilities allow patients to engage in therapy will continuing their education. The most successful programs interweave treatment techniques into the curriculum, immersing the patient/student in an environment where all phases are in operation at all times, developing a sober life, academic achievement, and life skills.
Wilderness Programs
In addition to using licensed therapists, young adults undergo therapy in a wilderness setting with peers who are also in recovery. Mutual support is achieved through learning outdoor survival skills, physical education, and problem solving. Support groups meet regularly. Success is measured through growing self-esteem and the ability to cope with problems in a rational and sober manner.
Long-term care
These programs are structurally similar to those designed for adults, but target adolescents and young adults. Cognitive behavior therapy, peer-to-peer counseling, private and group therapy are all employed in the fight against addiction.
A major goal of adolescent therapy is developing a skill set that enables them to restructure their life once they leave treatment. In reaching this goal, young adults are able to break from the conditions that fueled their addiction and live each day in a sober manner.