Teenage heroin use is a devastating problem in the United States. This includes heroin and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanil. Adolescent substance abuse treatment is the most effective way to combat this growing epidemic of teen heroin and opiate addiction.
At Fort Behavioral Health, we have extensive experience creating and facilitating successful adolescent substance abuse treatment programs. If a teen you love is struggling with addiction, reach out to our Fort Behavioral Health team today online or by calling 844.332.1807.
Adolescent Heroin Use in Texas
Teenage heroin use is far more common than adult heroin use. Approximately 20% of adolescents in the US inject drugs at some point during their lives. The problem is not unique to Texas or America. However, its prevalence in Texas is alarming, and it has become a public health crisis.
Teen heroin use affects more than just adolescents. It’s also impacting their family members and friends, who are often parents or other teens who look up to them. The impact of teenage heroin use is significant, but so are the solutions for this problem. Increasing access to treatment is one solution.
Heroin use in the United States has been a public health concern for decades. However, the problem is insidious and complex. To understand the epidemic, it’s essential to consider that the heroin epidemic is a national problem that rose to prominence in the early 2000s.
Teen heroin addiction is a growing problem in the US, and its impacts on society are only starting to come to light. Teen drug use is most commonly associated with alcohol or tobacco use. However, it can also be influenced by prescription drugs and stimulants.
As well as being a health issue, this drug problem has social and economic implications. There is an opportunity for schools to provide services for young people who want to work but cannot because they are still dependent on their parents for income.
Substance Abuse Treatment Programs for Adolescents
Focusing on treatment instead of punishment can set a much better example for our youth than continuing to prosecute them for being involved with drugs. Therefore, it’s crucial to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. There are an increasing number of evidence-based sobriety programs available offering alternatives like recovery support groups and family therapy.
Overall, investing in rehabilitation programs rather than incarceration, focusing on treatment rather than punishment, and providing evidence-based sobriety programs instead of jail time are the most effective ways to collectively end the heroin epidemic affecting teens and adults across the state.
Several types of specialized treatment exist for adolescent drug users, including:
- Residential substance abuse programs
- Inpatient treatment
- 12-Step support groups
- Individualized therapy
An adolescent substance abuse treatment program can provide a sense of community in addition to addiction treatment. Teens can have dialogue and relationships with peers who are going through similar struggles.
Adolescents who suffer from substance abuse are going through a stressful time in their lives, and they need treatment as quickly as possible. Many teens feel overwhelmed by the problem of teen drug use, especially when their friends don’t seem to be affected by it. Teen substance abuse treatment programs prevent this feeling of helplessness from taking root for teens dealing with drug addiction.
With continued conversation and education aimed to destigmatize and support adolescent addiction treatment, more teens will seek treatment rather than continue using drugs alone. By providing information about what works in treating substance abuse and how these treatments can be implemented effectively, we can continue to demystify addiction treatment, thereby making it more accessible for all.
Overcome Adolescent Heroin Use at Fort Behavioral Health
At Fort Behavioral Health, our experienced and compassionate professionals treat the full spectrum of teen addiction and mental health disorders with the utmost compassion, discretion, and care, including adolescent heroin use. Learn more from our team today by calling 844.332.1807 or completing our online contact form.
