A Guide on Teen Rehab: What To Expect

Teens have a reputation for being extra curious, impulsive, and sometimes experimenting with drugs or alcohol. Substance abuse among teens is increasing at an alarming rate—with one study reporting that over 1 million teens struggle with a Substance Use Disorder. 

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Teenage drug and alcohol abuse can cause severe consequences that impact a teen’s mental health, physical health, relationships, and overall functioning in daily life. A common treatment to help teens recover from substance abuse and provide them with tools for future success is teen rehab.  

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It’s important for parents to understand the complex nature of substance abuse in teens, how to recognize the signs, and what to expect when your teen enters a treatment program.  

Understanding Teens and Substance Abuse 

The teen brain is in a delicate stage of development, with regions that control emotions, motivation, and reasoning skills still growing. This puts them at a higher risk of experiencing mental health & substance abuse problems. 

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Teens are also exploring their independence. This can lead to curiosity and experimentation with drugs & alcohol. For teens who experience underlying mental health problems or trauma, these risks increase even further. 

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According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, some of the most common substance abuse problems teens struggle with include: 

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• Alcohol: 31%
• Cannabis: 30.7%
• Nicotine: 22.2% 

What Causes Substance Abuse in Teens? 

Addiction has no single cause and is influenced by several factors: biological, psychological, social, and environmental. Some teens may be more susceptible to addiction because of genetics while others use it as a way to numb emotional pain.  

Common causes of teenage substance abuse include:   

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• Childhood trauma
• Underlying mental health issues 
• Family history of substance abuse 
• Emotional, sexual, or physical abuse 
• Academic pressure
• Negative Self-Esteem 
• Victim of bullying
• Peer rejection 

Recognize the Signs 

It's important for parents to be aware of the signs of substance abuse in their teens so they can provide early intervention and get them support. Common signs of teenage substance abuse include: 

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• Finding drugs or alcohol in their room or belongings 
• Coming home visibly drunk or high 
• Sudden decline in school
• Drastic mood swings 
• Irritability or aggression
• Extreme isolation
• Secretive behavior 
• Physical health problems with unexplained causes (nausea, headaches, flu-like symptoms) 

What is Teen Rehab? 

Teen rehab is a structured environment where teens are provided with 24/7 care to support their recovery from drug & alcohol abuse. Teens may enroll in a number of different programs where they participate in intense therapies, medication management, and recreational activities. Most teen rehab programs are 30-90 days long but can vary depending on the substance used, level of care, and unique needs of each teen. Some common components of teen rehab programs include: 

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• CBT
• DBT
• Group Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Experiential Therapies (art therapy, animal-assisted therapy, music therapy)
• Psychiatric Services
• Recreational Activities 

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Teen rehab may consist of varying levels of care, each with its own benefits depending on the needs of each teen. 

Levels of Care 

There are several levels of care based on the complexity of the teen’s substance disorder. For teens with severe drug & alcohol addictions, detox is often recommended as the first step followed by residential treatment or PHP and intensive outpatient services. Explore each level of care below: 

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• Detox: This is usually the first step in a teen rehab program and is the process of removing substances from the body. Most detox programs are medically supervised, where vitals are monitored and medication can be prescribed to reduce cravings or withdrawal pain. 

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• Residential Treatment: Also known as inpatient rehab, this is a 30-90 day stay in a 24/7 supervised facility where teens will participate in individual therapy, group therapy, and recreational activities. 

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• Partial Hospitalization Program: This provides intensive therapy in a structured day setting, allowing teens to return home in the evenings.   

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• Outpatient Services: This is a more flexible option for teens who are involved in activities or wish to stay in school while attending treatment. Outpatient services are usually recommended after an inpatient program to help transition your teen back into their community and prevent relapse. 

How To Support A Teen in Rehab

Sending your teen to rehab is a difficult and often distressing decision, but necessary to support their recovery and long-term success in adulthood. It’s important for your teen to feel supported before entering treatment, during their stay, and as they transition back into their community. Some ways that parents can support their teens in recovery programs include: 

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• Stay involved in their recovery process to increase successful treatment outcomes.

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• Actively listen and validate what your teen is feeling. 

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• Communicate with the school and any other adults involved in your teen's life to ensure they have a smooth transition back to the community after leaving treatment. 

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• Find an activity you and your teen enjoy doing together that can help them reduce stress and encourage bonding between the two of you. 

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• Build a shame-free zone in the home where teens can openly talk about their mental health. 

Residential Treatment Florida 

Lotus Behavioral Health helps teens recovering from substance abuse & mental health disorders recover and gain the skills they need to return to their communities. Our comprehensive treatment programs take a family-first approach to help teens build a support system that supports their long-term recovery & success. 

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Sources 

Reported Drug Use Among Adolescents. National Institute on Drug Abuse.