Substance abuse disorders are common in adolescents and can be challenging to overcome without treatment. Adolescents are more likely to use substances than adults because they still develop impulse control and are more susceptible to peer pressure. Adolescent substance abuse treatment can help.
If you or an adolescent you love is struggling with substance abuse, Fort Behavioral Health is here for you. Our adolescent substance abuse treatment programs are evidence-based and effective. We pride ourselves on offering the best adolescent treatment in Texas. Reach out to us today at 844.332.1807.
Understanding Adolescent Substance Abuse Disorder
The exact cause of substance abuse disorder is unknown. However, research has linked it to adverse childhood experiences such as trauma. Experimentation is a normal part of adolescent development, and sometimes even a commitment to making intelligent decisions isn’t enough. It’s not as simple as staying away from drugs or alcohol. Many teens are genetically predisposed to addiction.
Adolescents who suffer from substance abuse disorder may be confused, embarrassed, and reluctant to open up about their struggles. Professional treatment is an essential component of healing from this disorder. Adolescent substance abuse treatment offers a community of peers who can relate and share similar experiences and professional therapy geared toward treating the root causes of adolescent substance abuse.
Treating Adolescent Substance Abuse
Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, therapy, and support from family and friends. Some of the most common types of treatment available for teens include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches adolescents new ways to think about their behaviors and learn new behavioral modification techniques
- Group therapy provides a venue to practice new skills in positive social interactions
- Family Systems Therapy (FST), which works on issues related to family dynamics;
- Interpersonal Skills Training (IST) helps change the way teens view themselves through discussions about “healthy relationships.”
The idea of substance abuse is scary, but it is nothing more than a symptom of an underlying problem. The root causes of adolescent substance abuse are also the signs that will lead to recovery.
As someone who cares for your adolescent and wants to support their recovery process, you can ask them what they use, when they use it, and how often they use it. Try to listen with an open mind and refrain from judgment, shaming, advice-giving, or scolding. Instead, ensure that you have all the information you need to figure out precisely what is going on with your child’s behavior and make sure they get appropriate treatment rather than suffer through the consequences of addiction alone.
If your child has gotten started down this path, don’t try cajoling them into stopping—they may start using more significant amounts of drugs at a faster rate which means they’ll end up in even more trouble sooner than if you had given them some time to think things over first. As a parent or caregiver, seeking counseling or a support group such as Al-Anon for yourself can be vital to your teen’s recovery process. It is essential to care for yourself to be patient and supportive while your adolescent is going through treatment and continue to offer appropriate support without enabling addictive behaviors even after they finish their course of treatment.
As a parent, it is vital that you make yourself available for your adolescent in treatment, but you also need to be patient and supportive as they go through treatment sessions with their doctor or therapist. They may need more help once they are back home and starting normal life activities again.
Contact Fort Behavioral Health For Adolescent Substance Abuse Support
At Fort Behavioral Health, we are passionate about helping young people recover from substance abuse disorder and heal the underlying trauma that causes it. We offer various individually tailored treatment options for adolescents of all ages.
Contact us at 844.332.1807 to learn more about our adolescent substance abuse treatment options.
