As a parent, watching a teen struggle with substance abuse can be extremely distressing and impact the entire family. Choosing to send them to rehab can be a challenging decision, but it often comes from a place of concern for their well-being. 

Parents may feel a mix of emotions when making the choice to send their teen to rehab and walk the recovery journey with them. Understanding what to expect during the process can help parents support their teens more effectively and increase positive treatment outcomes. 

Understanding Teenage Substance Abuse 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1 in 8 teens report having abused an illicit drug. Teens are at a particularly vulnerable risk of the effects of drug use due to the nature of their developing brains [1]. 

Countless research studies have reported that substance abuse during adolescence can impair memory, decision-making, emotional regulation, planning and organizing, and the ability to focus. These can lead to a decline in academic or sports performance, impaired relationships, and mental health problems that follow them into adulthood [2]. 

There is no single reason teens abuse drugs or develop an addiction. It is influenced by a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Some of the most common reasons teens begin abusing drugs or alcohol include: 

• Family history of substance abuse 
• Underlying mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder
• Coping with unresolved trauma
• Being a victim of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse 
• Academic stress
• Athletic improvement 
• Peer pressure 
• Growing up in a community where drugs are easily accessible 

Warning Signs 

It’s important to identify the warning signs of substance abuse in teens to intervene and connect them with treatment. The sooner a teen receives help with a substance abuse problem, the higher the chances are of successful treatment outcomes [3]. 

Common warning signs of substance abuse in teens include: 

• Finding drugs or alcohol on them/in their belongings 

• Finding paraphernalia in the home (empty liquor bottles, pipes, lighters, rolling papers, empty pill bottles, etc.) 

• Coming home visibly drunk or high

• Drastic mood swings (depression, anxiety, irritability or aggression, mania) 

• Dilated or pinpoint pupils. Red, bloodshot, or glossy eyes 

• Academic decline (slip in grades, missing school, getting into fights with peers or teachers) 

• Changes in sleep such as inability to fall asleep, or oversleeping and fatigue 

• Changes in appetite, such as loss or lack of appetite or binge eating 

• Secretive behavior and changes in friend groups 

• Rapid, slowed, or slurred speech that is difficult to follow 

What To Expect During A Drug Rehab Program for Teens 

Recovery from substance abuse is deeply personal and doesn’t look the same for every teen. However, there is a general process that teens and their families can expect when they enter a treatment program. 

Assessment and Evaluation 

Before officially enrolling a teen in a substance abuse treatment program, the center usually provides a comprehensive assessment. This may be done in person at the facility, in a virtual telehealth appointment, or over the phone. 

Providers will look at the severity of the substance abuse problem and if any co-occurring mental health disorders are present. They look closely at previous medical and psychiatric history, such as medications teens have been on in the past. The evaluation process can include in-depth conversations with the teen, previous providers, and people in the teen’s life, such as parents, caregivers, or teachers.   

The evaluation helps to build a personalized treatment plan and place teens in the level of care that will best meet their needs. 

Detox 

This is often the first step in recovery from teenage substance abuse. Detox or “detoxification” is the process of ridding drugs, alcohol, or other harmful toxins from the body. The length of detox varies on the substance of choice, frequency and duration of use, and whether another medical condition is present. 

For certain addictions, such as alcohol or opioid use disorder, medically supervised detox is almost always necessary to withdraw safely and minimize medical emergencies. For example, teens who are addicted to opioids may receive medication-assisted treatment depending on the severity of the addiction to alleviate withdrawal pain and prevent cravings. 

Residential Treatment 

Residential treatment, also known as “rehab” or inpatient treatment, consists of around-the-clock care in a safe and supervised environment.  These programs usually last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Teens will participate in daily individual therapies, group therapies, and recreational activities to support their sobriety and mental health.

Common therapy approaches commonly used in residential drug treatment for teens include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy commonly used for substance abuse and mental health disorders. It focuses on helping teens become aware of how negative thought patterns influence their behaviors, build healthy coping skills to increase positive recovery outcomes, and set goals for treatment. 

• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) is an effective therapy for teens with substance abuse and severe co-occurring mental health disorders such as borderline personality disorder or complex trauma. It focuses on helping teens build self-awareness, tolerate distress, regulate their emotions, and build skills for fostering interpersonal relationships. 

• Group therapy can help teens connect with others in recovery, decreasing feelings of isolation and loneliness.

• Family therapy can help increase positive communication in the home and address triggers that drive teenage substance abuse. Teens often feel extra supported and are more likely to engage when family is part of the recovery process [4].  

• Structured activities (arts and crafts, cooking classes, music events, hiking, sports tournaments, etc) can help teens cope with stress, cravings, foster connections with others, and feel a sense of community. 

Ongoing Aftercare Services 

Ensuring a smooth transition back to the home and community is an important part of an effective treatment program. Your teen’s treatment team will help support this process, often placing them in other programs such as intensive outpatient, ongoing therapy, or peer support specialists. 

Common aftercare services to support the long-term recovery of your teen include: 

• Partial Hospitalization (PHP) is an intensive day program, similar to residential, except teens return home in the evening. This is often considered the next step down from residential treatment. 

• Intensive Outpatient (IOP) usually meets a few days weekly for 3-4 hour therapy sessions. Teens will continue to implement the skills they learned in residential or PHP. 

• Peer Support Specialists or programs will help teens continue to connect with others who are also in recovery. Some peer specialist programs include young adults who have recovered from their own struggles in their teens, helping to guide them in a more relatable and less clinical approach.  

• Case managers, social workers, or a treatment team are often assigned to provide follow-ups and ensure teens are safe and their needs are met. They often help teens return to school, attend appointments, and help the family connect with community resources. 

Teenage Substance Abuse 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.

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Sources

[1]  Reported drug use among adolescents. 2023. National Institute on Drug Abuse. 

[2] Drugs, Brain, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. 2020. National Institute on Drug Abuse. 

[3] Effectiveness of early interventions for substance-using adolescents: findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis. 2012. National Library of Medicine. 

[4] Family Involvement in Treatment and Recovery for Substance Use Disorders among Transition-Age Youth. 2021. National Library of Medicine.