Teenage boys have a lot to contend with growing up. Sometimes things get serious for them, and they find themselves struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. At a time like this, you might wonder, does my son need gender-specific treatment?
A gender-specific treatment center brings together people of the same gender to work through substance abuse. The theory behind having a men’s treatment center is that men and women face different pressures and discuss various issues in treatment. Sometimes it’s easier to do this when you’re in a teen treatment center with people who understand what you’re going through because they are going through it themselves.
No matter the form, the critical step is getting your young person the help they need. Teenage drug dependence is complicated and should not be addressed alone. Contact our adolescent treatment facility in North Carolina today at 866.300.5275.
Signs Your Son Might Need Help
Recognizing when your son might need help from a teen treatment center is the first challenge for parents. Sometimes young people become experts in hiding the signals. Knowing the symptoms can help you act. Symptoms include:
- Sudden struggles with schoolwork
- Uncharacteristic changes in hygiene, a decline in appearance
- Eyes are bloodshot
- Surreptitious behavior
- Difficulties in relationships, changes in friends
- Argumentativeness
- Mood swings
- Fatigue and tiredness
Having just one of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily suggest a problem. However, if you spot patterns, it might be time to consider treatment. Gender-specific treatment might be right for you.
Does My Son Need Gender-Specific Treatment?
The truth is, only you can know the answer for sure. The goal of gender-specific treatment is to give teens a safe space to explore the things that trouble them.
Some issues in substance abuse are unique to genders. For instance, the use of drugs or alcohol can cause sexual dysfunction. Talking about those issues in a co-ed crowd is just too embarrassing. A gender-specific treatment center aims to create an environment where teens can speak freely and openly.
A teen treatment center also allows the formation of essential peer relationships. Evidence shows that peer support is a critical element of long-term recovery. At our treatment center for adolescent boys, clients can establish meaningful bonds in the struggle against substance abuse.
It’s important to remember also that men and women abuse drugs in different ways for different reasons. Whether for men or women, a teen treatment center allows medical staff to zero in on those issues.
What to Expect in Treatment
Gender-specific treatment allows teens to discuss their issues in non-judgmental environments. While the experience is different for everyone, the stages are the same. Here’s what your son can expect from a gender-specific treatment center:
- Intake assessment: He will go through a full medical and psychological workup that will establish his rehab experience parameters.
- Treatment plan: Information from the workup forms the basis for a comprehensive roadmap for treatment.
- Detox: In most instances, clients of a teen treatment center will initially go through a detox period to remove drugs or alcohol from their system.
- Therapy: Your son will work with a therapist trained in addiction medicine, both individually and in groups.
- Aftercare: To lower the risk of relapse, your son will be offered ongoing counseling and other support.
Putting your son in a teen treatment center can seem frightening. But centers such as Foothills at Red Oak Recovery have a long track record of restoring hope and sobriety for young people.
Consider Treatment at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
Gender-specific treatment recognizes that men and women take different paths and respond to different pressures regarding substance abuse. At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery®, we provide resources and focus for teens battling addiction Our team of clinical and counseling specialists focuses on compassionate treatment for boys between the ages of 14 and 17. Our teen treatment center addresses a variety of addictions, including:
- Alcohol addiction
- Heroin addiction
- Cocaine addiction
- Opioid addiction
- Meth addiction
Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 866.300.5275 for an initial caring consultation.
