Although it may be tempting to want to help your teen detox on their own, most of the time teens who struggle with substance abuse disorders need supervised detox and professional treatment to recover successfully. 

Teens who are addicted to drugs such as opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or alcohol often require supervised medical detox to manage painful withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Detox is also beneficial for teens who struggle with co-occurring mental health disorders or a medical condition. 

Read on to understand drug and alcohol detox in teens and how to find the right detox program. 

What is Detox?

Detox or detoxification is the process of removing drugs, alcohol, or other harmful toxins from the body. During this period, it’s common for individuals to experience “acute withdrawal.” Teens are particularly sensitive to this due to the vulnerable stage of brain development they are in. 

When teens stop using the substance of choice, the withdrawal/negative affect stage is triggered. Reward circuit activity in the extended amygdala of the brain decreases while stress circuits increase. This leads to negative feelings often associated with withdrawal, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, and dysphoria [1]. 

In a detox program, medical supervision is available 24/7 to monitor vitals, changes in cognition, and prescribe medication to alleviate the pain, discomfort, or cravings that accompany withdrawal. 

How Long Does It Take to Detox? 

The timeline for detox depends on the individual and is influenced by the drug of choice, frequency, duration of use, and whether other mental health disorders are present. 

According to the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment Advisory, the average length of detox and acute withdrawal for different substances is as follows [2]: 

• Alcohol: 5-7 days
• Benzodiazepines: 1-4 weeks, or 3-5 weeks if doses are decreased gradually 
• Opioids: 4-10 days 
• Stimulants:1-2 weeks
• Cannabis: 5-7 days
• Nicotine: 2-4 weeks

Signs That Your Teen Needs Medical Detox 

During withdrawal, teens may struggle with severe symptoms that impact their mental and physical health. Many of these are due to the effects of substances leaving the body.  Symptoms can also be worsened by challenges with self-care or lifestyle changes that come with recovery. 

Some of the signs that your teen needs detox include: 

• Physical withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or body aches. In severe cases, such as with alcohol or opioids, teens may be at risk of life-threatening symptoms, including seizures. 

• Intense cravings and an uncontrollable urge to use the drug even if they want to quit. 

• Mood or cognitive changes when they try to stop using the substance. This can include depression, anxiety, aggression, confusion, and in some cases, paranoia or hallucinations.  

• Co-occurring disorders such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, trauma, or obsessive-compulsive disorder can make it extra difficult to detox on their own. 

• Medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and hormonal or metabolic issues can make it dangerous to detox alone. You don’t always know how your teen's body will react. In a detox program, medical professionals are available 24/7 to intervene in the case of an emergency, 

Is Detoxing On Their Own Safe? 

Your teen may prefer the privacy and comfort of detoxing in the home. However, for certain substances, this can be unsafe and even dangerous. 

Teens who are addicted to opioids, alcohol, or benzodiazepines should not detox on their own. Detoxing from these drugs can increase the risk of medical complications and emergencies. 

How To Find The Right Detox Program For Your Teen

Enrolling your teen in a detox program is not an easy decision, and it makes sense parents only want the best for their teen. Most detox programs are designed for adults, which can complicate the process of finding one for your teen. But teen detox facilities do exist. However, there are certain things to look for when searching for an effective detox program. 

Licensing 

Due to legalities, not all detox programs can take teenage patients. This is often reflected in their licensing. Ensure that the program you are considering is certified to treat patients under 18. A reputable program usually provides this information when requested or makes it visible on its website. 

Specialization and Expertise

You should also look at the center's expertise and specializations. A license only means that the center can provide detox to teens, it doesn’t guarantee that it does so consistently and effectively. 

Try to do additional research on the program and its providers before making your final decision. Some of the things to look for include:

• Online reviews 
• Patient testimonials 
• Recommendations on the websites of county or state health departments 
• Confirmation that they provide detox for the substance of use 
• Facilities that have a background in youth development and specialize in teenage substance abuse 

Transition Services 

While detox is the process of removing substances from the body, it is not a one-and-done approach to recovery. Most clinicians will recommend teens transition to a residential treatment or rehab program after they finish detox. The purpose is to provide ongoing therapy and support to help the teen with a successful recovery.

An effective detox program will often help organize this process and ensure they leave detox with a recommended treatment plan that usually includes a combination of behavioral interventions and medication. 

Teenage Drug and Alcohol Treatment in Florida 

Lotus Behavioral Health is a residential treatment facility for teens located in Florida. Our programs are designed to support teens and their families with the tools they need to recover from substance abuse & co-occurring mental health disorders. 

Our facility offers several levels of care, including residential treatment, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient services, to meet the needs of teens and their families at all stages of recovery.

‍

Sources

[1] Neuroscience: The Brain in Addiction and Recovery. 2022. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. 

[2] Protracted Withdrawal. 2019. Substance Abuse Treatment Advisory.