Drug addiction is a serious and pervasive disease that affects those of all ages. Many look at addiction and rehab as something that adults go through, but addiction in teens is also very, very real. It’s hard for everyone involved, including parents, siblings, and even friends.
Inpatient teen drug rehab is one of many options for teens struggling with substance abuse and addiction. It’s the right option for many, though some may thrive on a different route. Inpatient drug rehab for teens may look a little different than for an adult – just like the addiction itself. Read on to learn more about what inpatient drug rehab is for teens and how to spot addiction in your child before it’s too late.
Teens and Addiction
Like adults, addiction affects every teenager differently. And while it’s true that addiction can hit anyone, teens are often more vulnerable and susceptible to it than others. This can be true for several reasons:
- They have access to substances through peers at school or other activities.
- Drugs are present at parties and other social gatherings, and they are pressured to use them or want to use them to relax and have fun.
- They are desperate to escape their problems and chase a “feel good” feeling and temporary relief.
Not only are many teens more susceptible to addiction but it develops faster in them than in adults. Regardless of why a teen may be developing an addiction to drugs, there are many risks involved should they become truly dependent and severely addicted:
- Drug addiction affects the brain of anyone suffering from it, but it can do even greater damage to a young brain that isn’t yet fully developed.
- Many teens hide a drug problem from parents and other caregivers until it’s quite advanced, meaning the danger of carrying it into adulthood is real.
- It can lead to academic difficulties, which potentially affects the future.
- It can easily lead to heightened mental health struggles, during a time when they already struggle with self-esteem, confidence, body issues, and more.
- It can result in the juvenile justice system becoming involved, which can also affect the future and place stress on all family members.
- The need for rehab and other treatments can damage relationships and delay education, leading to long-lasting damage to their life in general.
Spotting Addiction in Teens
There are many signs you can look for that may indicate your teen is addicted. While many may try to hide their substance use and developing addiction, these things will eventually become obvious to a parent who’s paying attention:
- They are consistently staying out late with no explanation or accountability.
- Their sleep schedule and patterns are changing.
- They exhibit withdrawn and secretive behaviour.
- Unexplained and/or drastic change in weight.
- Eyes are bloodshot.
- A decline in hygiene and grooming.
- Severe and frequent mood swings.
- Inability to focus and complete basic chores and/or school tasks.
- Frequent sickness or other changes in basic health.
- Aggressive behaviour.
- Loss of interest in hobbies, extracurriculars, and other things they previously enjoyed.
- Frequent instances of high energy followed by a crash.
- Declining mental health, such as anxiety, depression, paranoia, etc.
It’s important to note that some of these things may only be symptoms of mental health disorders, or even just being a teenager. Mild agitation, mood swings, changing hobbies, new friends, etc, may just be part of life. But, you must keep a close eye on all of these things regardless, especially if you even suspect they may be using drugs.
Inpatient Teen Drug Rehab
If you’ve determined that your teen is using drugs, or has even just tried them a few times, you have some options. You can have a frank conversation, impose restrictions and closer monitoring, stage an intervention, and more.
However, rehab is often the best thing if an addiction has indeed taken root. You have two main options for rehab treatment: inpatient and outpatient. Outpatient rehab will have your teen participating in therapy sessions throughout the week, but staying at home. Inpatient programs require your teen to move into the facility for the duration of treatment.
These programs are similar enough in terms of receiving plenty of attention, treatment, and even medical care. However, some key elements of inpatient rehab can make all the difference. Different facilities will offer different methods of treatment, amenities, services, activities, etc. The point is, though, that an inpatient teen drug rehab is the most intensive and often most effective method.
Our program at Lily Recovery, for example, offers the following for teens who register for an inpatient stay – many of which an outpatient program would not include:
- A safe, controlled, and monitored environment with no access to substances.
- Around-the-clock care from a variety of professionals.
- Access to medication and other medical care as needed.
- Various individual therapy sessions each week. These are conducted by our many qualified, experienced, and compassionate counselors. Our therapists specialize in a variety of therapy techniques, from the widely effective cognitive behaviour therapy to trauma-informed therapy where necessary, and so much more. We craft a personalized plan for every individual.
- Group therapy sessions each week. Group therapy has many benefits and works well when paired with individual therapy.
- A structured schedule with a good mix of therapy, leisure, free time, and healthy meals.
- Access to alternative and holistic therapy and activities such as art, journaling, nature, yoga, meditation, and more. These things can help significantly with mood, focus, clarity, and mental health.
- A self-referral system that doesn’t require a special recommendation. Women can join our program on their own if they feel it’s best for them.
- A female-only center where we treat only ten women at any given time, with only female staff. We believe this helps women feel safer and more comfortable during a time when they’re at their most vulnerable.
- We work with you on aftercare and invite parents and caregivers to participate in their child’s therapy and recovery, as much as they can. A parent’s involvement is crucial and can make all the difference in a teen seeing a full recovery with lasting results.
Consider Inpatient Teen Drug Rehab
There is nothing easy about dealing with addiction in your teen. However, it’s not a road you have to travel alone. Rehab programs are designed to help those struggling with a substance abuse disorder, but at Lily Recovery, we also come alongside the family and caretakers. We encourage you to participate in your teen’s recovery and we’ll give you tools to use once they come home.
If you have any questions at all, please reach out to us today. We’ll answer your questions and help you determine if our program is right for your child.
