Adolescent-specific rehab focuses on the needs of young teenagers who are struggling with addiction or mental disorders. Although teenagers may experience the same situations as adults, they process them differently, as many of these situations are new to them.
Furthermore, adolescents are still in the early stages of physical and psychological development. As such, drug abuse or mental disorders can set a precedent that affects them for the rest of their life. For this reason, drug addiction treatment centers in North Carolina offer adolescent-specific rehab.
At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we’re proud to provide substance use treatment to teens battling all types of addictions. We can help your teen understand why they began using substances in the first place and give them tools to circumvent their triggers. We offer a range of treatment options to support your teen. To learn more about our teen substance abuse treatment options, please get in touch with Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275.
Why Do Adolescents Take Drugs?
When treating teenagers for addiction, therapists try to understand why adolescents abuse drugs or alcohol. There are several reasons, including:
Peer Pressure
Whether it is subversive or outright, peer pressure plays a significant role in whether an adolescent will drink or use drugs. Teens have a strong desire to fit in with their peers. In addition, friends will pressure other friends into using a substance to make it acceptable. Taking drugs is a way to connect with others and fit in.
Stress
Education, family, and social pressure can cause a significant amount of stress in a teenager’s life. Adolescents are not equipped to handle high pressure. Therefore, they may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate when they feel stress.
Experimentation
As adolescents grow older, they become more curious about the world around them. They may experiment with fashion trends, self-image, music, politics, religion, or sex. Substance use is an extension of their need to experiment.
Problems at Home
Physical or sexual abuse, divorce, conflict, or neglect can put a psychological burden on a teenager. Taking drugs or drinking is a form of rebellion or escape. In addition, it might be the only way that an adolescent knows how to deal with these problems.
Availability
If drugs or alcohol are present in the home or in a certain environment, a teenager may try them simply because they are available. If an adolescent tries marijuana or beer for the first time, they may enjoy it. Prescription drugs are also commonly available in their homes. Consequently, they may continue to enjoy it.
How To Confront A Teen That Needs Adolescent-Specific Rehab
Just as teenagers are trying drugs for the first time, parents are dealing with the problem for the first time. In most cases, parents or siblings are not equipped to handle the situation. Therefore, if a teenager has an addiction, it is important to know how to intervene in a way that encourages the child to get help.
Some intervention strategies may include:
- Confronting the teenager when they are sober and calm
- Having a plan for confronting the teen
- Selecting a private time when there will be no interruptions
- Avoiding accusation and pointing the finger – remain calm
- Projecting an attitude of concern, encouragement, and love – not judgment
The most important thing a teenager needs to know is that their parents love them and are concerned for their well-being, which is why they may suggest adolescent-specific rehab.
Learn More at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
If you have a child that is addicted to drugs or alcohol, adolescent-specific rehab is available at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery. We offer complete treatment for addiction that includes rehab and aftercare. We provide a wide range of services, including:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
- Meth addiction treatment
- Prescription drug addiction treatment
To find out more about treatment options and how to get started, contact us online or call us at 866.300.5275.
