Adolescents & Treatments for Chemical Dependency

Adolescents who struggle with substance dependency face many challenges and are in need of support and treatment. Substance dependency in adolescents can lead to problems in schoolwork and often disrupts relationships with friends and family. Addiction or dependency is usually a sign that something else is wrong in the child's environment -- and while there are a variety of treatment approaches available, all approaches should include parental support and involvement as well as the involvement of the adolescent's friends and teachers when possible.

Detoxification

• Prior to treatment the adolescent needs to be screened by a qualified mental health, substance abuse clinician to determine the needed course of action as well as other treatment concerns such as mental health problems. The professional assesses the child to determine if he needs a detoxification referral. Medical detoxification usually occurs in a hospital or residential treatment setting. It allows the adolescent to be supervised by medical personnel while withdrawing from a substance. An adolescent who has been using substances regularly may experience withdrawal, a condition where his body adjusts to not using the substance. Withdrawal can be a life threatening condition -- therefore medical monitoring is needed.

Residential Programs

• Adolescents who find it difficult to stop using substances may benefit from residential rehabilitation programs. These programs are for adolescents who are aware of the consequences and risks of continued use, but continue to use anyway. Residential treatment allows the individual to focus fully on her recovery process, without the distractions or pressures of everyday life. Treatment in these programs usually include psychoeducation which involves learning about addiction and the recovery process, group therapy, 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, and relapse prevention.

  Residential programs for adolescents often include groups aimed at parents and families, giving them the opportunity to learn about the child's treatment as well as how to offer support at home.

Intensive Outpatient Programs

• For adolescents who need more intensive help but are not in need of residential support -- or for adolescents who are transitioning out of a residential treatment program -- an intensive outpatient program may be helpful. These programs are often offered after school, to allow students to maintain a normal schedule and tend to their schoolwork. Intensive outpatient programs focus on preventing relapse and maintaining abstinence. They also often involve parents and families, helping them to support the adolescent in her continuing process of recovery.

Maintenance

• Like adults, adolescents who are in recovery from substance dependency frequently need programs to help them maintain sobriety. These programs often take the form of treatment groups that meet regularly. Groups usually include peers who are also in a similar place in the recovery process, offering mutual aid and support. Support groups are also available to families of children in recovery.