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Treatment Options for Young People with Addiction Issues
Addiction is a complex disease that can start during the formative teenage years. While addiction used to be considered an adult problem, today more and more young people are developing substance use disorders. Fortunately, there are treatment options available to help teens and young adults overcome addiction.
Residential Treatment Centers
One of the most intensive treatment options for youth is placement in a residential treatment center. These are facilities where teens live onsite and receive 24/7 monitoring and care. Residential centers provide a highly structured environment with scheduled meals, chores, schoolwork, counseling sessions, recreational activities such as an adventure program, and more.
The time spent in residential treatment can range from a few weeks to several months depending on each patient's needs. These centers offer round-the-clock medical supervision and counseling to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction. Residential treatment takes teens out of their using environment and provides the support needed to learn sobriety skills.
Outpatient Programs
Outpatient addiction treatment allows young people to receive help while still living at home. There are two main types of outpatient programs:
Day Treatment
This is the most comprehensive form of outpatient rehab. Teens attend structured programming at a clinic for 6-8 hours a day, then go home at night. Day treatment includes individual and group therapy, life skills training, drug testing, etc.
Standard Outpatient
These programs offer 1-2 counseling sessions per week. The teen lives at home while attending school or work as usual. Outpatient treatment teaches coping strategies to handle cravings and maintain sobriety.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Certain medications can help teens manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Medication-assisted treatment is often used for opioid or alcohol addiction. Options may include:
- Methadone – This long-acting opioid helps reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal. It is dispensed daily at specialty clinics.
- Buprenorphine – Also used to treat opioid addiction, this partial opioid activator reduces cravings and withdrawal discomfort.
- Naltrexone – Blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids and alcohol. It reduces the urge to use.
- Acamprosate – This medication helps recovering alcoholics by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Complementary Therapies
Many rehab centers offer complementary treatments to help teens in recovery develop self-care practices, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellbeing. Examples include yoga, meditation, art therapy, equine therapy, music therapy, nutritional counseling, and more. Integrating these holistic approaches provides therapeutic benefits.
Community Support Options
Ongoing community support is vital to sustaining sobriety after intensive treatment ends. Young people in recovery need positive social connections and activities. Options include:
- Support Groups – 12-step groups like AA/NA provide peer support and mentorship. Alternative peer support groups are also available.
- Sober Living Homes – These structured, supervised living environments help teens transition back to daily life. Housemates support each other's recovery.
- Mental Health Services – Managing any co-occurring mental health issues, like depression or trauma, improves recovery outlook.
- School Reintegration Programs – Counselors can help students returning to school after treatment cope with academics and peer pressures.
Seeking Help for Addiction
Addiction can seriously derail a young person's developmental trajectory. But teens have an excellent chance at recovery with professional treatment tailored to their needs. Consulting with addiction specialists helps determine the right level of care to overcome substance abuse issues. With support, young people can gain tools to embrace lifelong sobriety.
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