Types of SAMHSA Substance Abuse Treatment Programs for Teens

Teens face drug and alcohol temptations throughout adolescence, and the TeenZeen website reports that more than 25 percent of teens abuse drugs. Even teens as young as 13 reported trying drugs as potent as cocaine. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Organization (SAMHSA) Office of Applied Studies distributed a 2008 report that said 3.1 million people age 12 and up are addicted to drugs and alcohol. SAMHSA has different types of treatment for teen addiction.

Inpatient

• Teen substance addiction includes prescription drugs.

  Patients seeking help with substance abuse have the option of inpatient treatment. Inpatient treatment places the patient in a hospital environment where he receives detoxification (withdrawal from substances) and rehab (medical and counseling) services. Teens benefit from inpatient treatment because they are offered comprehensive assessments and treatment plans. Families should check with their private insurance companies prior to admitting.

Outpatient

• Families and medical professionals who agree the teenager seeking treatment is committed to staying home and keeping regular treatment appointments should consider outpatient treatment. The schedules are flexible to help teens keep their school and work schedules. Outpatient locations include hospitals, clinics, mental health organizations, counselor offices and residential settings with outpatient programs.

Residential

• Teens in residential programs receive medical and rehabilitation services on site. Residential programs range from a one month stay to more than a year. During residential treatment, a teen experiences phases of treatment. Phase one allows her visits from family but she won't have contact with friends. The phases help her focus on receiving the full benefit of services. Residential programs include school as part of treatment.

Day Treatment

• Day treatment programs usually last 90 days. Also known as partial hospitalization treatment, patients attend intensive programming in clinics, psychiatric care centers or hospital settings but return home each day. This is more cost effective than inpatient treatment, but unlike residential, clients retain contact with family and friends.