About half of all teenagers have misused a drug at least once, and more than 40% use illicit drugs. Millions of other young people are addicted to alcohol. Experts estimate that 10 million Americans ages 12 to 29 need treatment to overcome their addiction.
Teens resort to alcohol and drugs for different reasons. Some do it because of peer pressure. Others see it as a way to cope with stress, depression, or anxiety.
As a parent, it’s your responsibility to make sure your child receives appropriate treatment in a substance abuse center. Both alcohol and drugs can lead to emotional, behavioral, and psychological problems.
Finding help for addiction can be difficult, given the large number of alcohol and drug rehab centers out there. You may not know how to choose one, what to expect, and what the treatment involves.
If you’re ready to take this step and help your teen, you may find this guide helpful. Here’s what every parent should know about substance treatment facilities and how to choose the right one.
Get a Professional Assessment
First things first, reach out to a healthcare provider certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine. If you have a hard time finding one in your area, contact a psychiatrist who specializes in substance use disorders.
These medical professionals can assess your child’s needs and decide on the best course of action. Your teen may not need long-term inpatient treatment. Outpatient services and detox programs can be just as effective as inpatient treatment in mild cases of addiction.
A psychiatrist will evaluate your teen’s behavior and attitude toward drugs, as well as the underlying problems behind his addiction. With this information, he will determine what type of treatment is right for your child and advise on how to proceed further.
Consider Your Child’s Needs
Teenagers experiment with drugs or become addicted to them for several reasons. Some do it because it makes them feel good. Cocaine, heroin, and other substances activate the brain’s reward center, triggering feelings of euphoria.
Adolescents may also feel pressured to get higher grades, become better athletes, and so on. Many of them resort to illegal stimulants to keep up with these demands.
Young people are also more vulnerable to social anxiety, depression, and stress than adults. Alcohol and drugs take some of the pain away, leading to a false impression of well-being.
Considering these aspects, it makes sense to choose a substance abuse center that can address the underlying cause of your teen’s addiction.
If, say, your child suffers from depression, look for facilities that offer psychiatric and psychological services in addition to substance abuse treatment. This way, he will receive the support needed to resist the urge to take drugs.
Reach out to the facilities you’re interested in. Try to find out if they have counselors and other professionals specialized in treating the problem your child is having. A multidisciplinary treatment team may also include wellness specialists, nutritionists, and more.
See What Services They Provide
There is more than one way to address substance dependence and abuse. For example, a substance abuse center may have inpatient and outpatient programs. Some facilities also offer group therapy, one-on-one counseling, and recovery support.
Cenikor’s adolescent inpatient program includes screening, assessment, after-care services, and more. Families can also opt for outpatient services that meet the needs of young people. Teenagers can attend career development groups and continue their education on-site.
We have several other programs for different needs and age groups. We offer medical detox services, adult inpatient programs, prevention plans, and outpatient services—just to name a few.
Consider the Location
As a parent, you may want to choose a rehab center located close to your home. While it’s true that nearby facilities are more convenient, they’re not always the best choice.
Your child may benefit more from spending time away from his home, school, and peers. This will allow him to escape the routines that fuel his addiction.
For example, if your child is bullied at school but keeps going there during his recovery, he may not be able to quit drugs. The time spent at rehab will help him overcome the negative feelings associated with bullying and boost his self-esteem.
Our rehab programs are available in over 10 different locations in Texas. We have substance abuse treatment facilities in Houston, San Marcos, Amarillo, and other cities.
Check Their Credentials
Make sure the facility is certified or licensed by the state. Ideally, it should also be accredited by a trusted organization, such as The Joint Commission.
Its longevity matters, too. Look for a substance abuse center that has been in business for several years and has a track record of success.
Cenikor, for instance, was founded in 1967 and has changed more than 100,000 lives. Our mission is to help people break the vicious cycle of addiction and enjoy better health.
Ask the Right Questions
The best rehab centers will be ready and willing to answer any questions you may have. Ask about their approach to substance abuse treatment, their success rate, and what kind of aftercare they provide.
You may also request more information about their staff-to-patient ratio, medications used, accommodation and amenities, and family support services. The cost of treatment depends on your child’s needs, so you might not receive an estimate on the spot.
Choose the Best Substance Abuse Center for Your Teen
Rehab for teens poses unique challenges and should take into account the patient’s gender, behavior, and level of maturity. At the same time, it needs to address any emotional, psychological, or physical problems he is facing.
Now that you know what to look for in a substance rehab center, reach out to our team at Cenikor. Our adolescent treatment services are tailored for people ages 13 to 17 and include both inpatient and outpatient treatment options.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact us today to discuss your needs and see how we can help.
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