RehabFAQs

how to determine if a teenager should go to rehab

by Kelli Aufderhar Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Parents must be able to distinguish whether a teen’s drug use is experimental or an addiction. There are inpatient and outpatient teen drug rehab programs available based on the teen’s mental health needs and level of addiction. Tour teen drug rehab facilities and ask the staff many questions before committing to a facility.

In general, stay on the lookout for drastic or unexplained changes in your teen's schedule, social life or energy levels. Sometimes, even smaller, unexplained changes to daily activities can mean your teen is participating in drug or alcohol use habits, and needs rehab.Dec 17, 2020

Full Answer

Should I force my teenager into rehab?

Jun 16, 2015 · It can be challenging to recognize when things are serious enough to enrol your teen into treatment. However, here are some other signs that your teen may be in need of professional help: Poor personal hygiene Change of friend group Shows little interest in family, family activities Shows little interest in activities they were once very fond of

What do they do for teens in rehab?

Sep 29, 2021 · Parents must be able to distinguish whether a teen’s drug use is experimental or an addiction. There are inpatient and outpatient teen drug rehab programs available based on the teen’s mental health needs and level of addiction. Tour teen drug rehab facilities and ask the staff many questions before committing to a facility.

How do I choose the right drug rehab center for my teen?

Jan 26, 2019 · Five Signs Your Teen Needs Residential Drug Rehab 1. Repeated Relapse. If your teen tries and fails to stay drug-free more than once, consider sending them to residential treatment. Repeated unsuccessful attempts at quitting drugs likely means your teen needs help: the status quo is unsustainable, and time in residential treatment might be the answer. 2.

Why choose inpatient rehab for teens and youth with substance addiction?

Mar 03, 2022 · When the teen’s life is at risk due to drug abuse, the resentment and anger that can result from forcing them into rehab is usually worth it. Keep in mind that a teen’s brain is still developing – up to age 25 – meaning that the damage done by drug and alcohol abuse will be much worse than it would be in an adult over the age of 25.

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How do you decide on rehab?

10 Tips to Help You Choose a Rehab FacilityDoes the facility offer programs specific to your needs? ... Is 24-hour care provided? ... How qualified is the staff? ... How are treatment plans developed? ... Will I be seen one on one or in a group? ... What supplemental or support services are offered during and after treatment?More items...•Dec 17, 2020

What is the youngest age you can go to rehab?

Legally, people 17 years of age or younger can be put into residential drug rehab without their consent....Signs of AddictionIncreased aggression.Loss of interest in hobbies or extracurricular activities.Unexplained agitation or increase in energy followed by a crash.More items...•Mar 3, 2022

What are some early warning signs of a teenager on drugs?

Behavioral signs of drug use or substance abuse include:Avoiding eye contact.Ignoring or breaking curfew.Acting irresponsibly.Frequently asking for money.Stealing.Locking bedroom doors.Making secretive calls.Isolating from others/damaging relationships with family or friends.More items...•Nov 11, 2019

Can my parents make me go to rehab?

If you're under 18, your parents can legally bring you to treatment, whether it's a teen substance abuse treatment center, mental health treatment center, dual diagnosis treatment center, or detox facility. Even if you refuse to get into the car, they're allowed to physically carry you to treatment.

How does age affect rehabilitation?

A previous study 7 concluded that age does not affect the degree of functional improvement obtained during inpatient rehabilitation. Other studies, however, have shown that older persons with TBI experience poorer rehabilitation outcomes than younger persons. Like age, sex is also an established risk factor for TBI.

What are 2 signs that a teen has become dependent on alcohol?

Below is our list of 5 warning signs your teen is drinking or abusing drugs.Shifty Behavior/Social Withdrawal. ... Changes in Their Friend Circle. ... Personality Changes. ... Decline in School Performance. ... Getting Sick More Often.

What does drug abuse look like?

Changes in physical appearance, such as wearing inappropriate or dirty clothing and a lack of interest in grooming. Altered behavior, such as an increased desire for privacy. Drastic changes in relationships. A noticeable lack of energy when performing daily activities.

What do I do if my son is dealing drugs?

What to do if your child is taking drugslet them explain in their own words what they've done.avoid asking them why they've taken drugs as it will make them defensive.not get hung up on blame.let them know exactly how you feel about the situation.

What do you do when someone won't go to rehab?

How To Get A Drug Addict Into Treatment If He Refuses To Go?Try To Get Them into Court-ordered Treatment. ... Don't Make Threats. ... Be Their Friend. ... Be Confident That They Need Help. ... Offer Your Support and Encouragement During Treatment. ... Be Encouraging. ... Offer an Ultimatum. ... Allow Them To Go Voluntarily.More items...

Can you force your child to go to therapy?

If a child is absolutely dead-set on going to therapy, and there are no safety worries like self harm or suicidal thoughts, forcing a child to go to therapy can do more harm than good. It reinforces the idea that therapy isn't really for helping, it's a punishment for bad behavior.Jun 17, 2021

Can my family make me go to rehab?

So, for the most part, while your family may come up with a compelling argument for you to go to rehab (and perhaps withhold money, room, or board in exchange for such a deal), they can't legally compel you enter a rehab or treatment facility.Aug 1, 2018

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What to do if a teenager is drug free?

If your teen tries and fails to stay drug-free more than once, consider sending them to residential treatment. Repeated unsuccessful attempts at quitting drugs likely means your teen needs help: the status quo is unsustainable, and time in residential treatment might be the answer.

What to do if your teen is escalating?

If your teen’s behavior is escalating in a way that creates a safety risk for anyone, do not ignore it. A residential treatment may be appropriate, even if they have not passed through the less intense levels of care yet.

What is drug rehab?

In Part One of “ Does My Teen Need Drug Rehab ?” we discussed the basic levels of care you might find if you decide to seek treatment for your teen. We also reviewed the new vocabulary around addiction treatment. The accepted term for what used to be called drug rehab is now treatment for substance use disorders. There are many reasons for the change in terminology, and none of them are frivolous or simply a matter of shifting fads. The way we talk about rehab has changed not because clinicians are bored, or because the world is getting too politically correct. Quite the contrary: the new way we talk about drugs and addiction encourages us to do two important things: 1 Understand addiction as a chronic relapsing disease 2 Destigmatize treatment for substance use disorders

What is a dual diagnosis for teens?

If that’s the case, your teen may have what’s known as a dual diagnosis: a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. For dual diagnosis teens, a period of total detoxification, followed by a period of sobriety, is often the only way to understand what’s really going on with your teenager. 5. Safety.

What is the purpose of rehab for teens?

Teenage Rehabilitation. Rehab is a vital component of the recovery process for teens with substance use disorders. Detox helps adolescents overcome cravings and withdrawal in a safe environment, and therapy teaches teens healthy ways to cope with stress and everyday difficulties.

How often can you talk to family in rehab?

A zero-communication blackout period during the first days or week of rehab is common. After the initial blackout period , patients are usually allowed to talk to family on the phone once or twice per day. Family-based therapy is often incorporated into teen rehab. Family members may be invited to the rehab facility to participate in therapy two to three times per week.

Why is counseling important for teens?

Counseling and therapy are necessary to teach teens how to live without alcohol or other drugs. They prepare youth to re-enter school or the community and provide valuable techniques for handling stress and other risk factors for relapse.

How do you know if your child is addicted to alcohol?

Warning signs for addiction include: Drastic changes in appearance or behavior. Talking about drugs or alcohol frequently. Lying about drug or alcohol use. Stealing to pay for alcohol or drugs.

Who is Chris Elkins?

Chris Elkins worked as a journalist for three years and was published by multiple newspapers and online publications. Since 2015, he’s written about health-related topics, interviewed addiction experts and authored stories of recovery. Chris has a master’s degree in strategic communication and a graduate certificate in health communication.

What happens if a teenager uses drugs?

If your teen is using addictive substances, his or her brain is adapting to the drugs. Alcohol, marijuana and other drugs commonly used by teens can cause dependence . That means they’ll crave the substances or experience withdrawal if they stop using them suddenly.

How long does a child stay in inpatient treatment?

Adolescents with severe substance use disorders often stay in inpatient treatment for at least 30 days before transitioning to outpatient therapy. Teens with less severe addictions may be able to attend outpatient therapy if they have strong support systems at home.

What are the symptoms of a teenager?

Increased aggression. Loss of interest in hobbies or extracurricular activities. Unexplained agitation or increase in energy followed by a crash. Some of these are symptoms of mental illness like depression, anxiety disorders, or bipolar disorder. Others are just signs of being a teenager.

How long does inpatient rehab last?

Treatment in an inpatient rehab program typically lasts for 7-10 weeks. Family members can usually visit regularly and are encouraged to do so. A teen in rehab will need support and love during this difficult time.

How to tell if a child is addicted to drugs?

Parents who suspect drug abuse and addiction should keep an eye out for the signs: 1 Staying out late 2 Change in social circles 3 Changes in sleep schedule 4 Secretive or withdrawn behavior 5 Changes in hygiene or grooming habits 6 Unexplained weight change 7 Unusually large or small pupils 8 Health changes (feeling sick after staying out late) 9 Sudden reduction in ability to meet school responsibilities 10 Bloodshot eyes 11 Drug paraphernalia 12 Severe mood swings 13 Anxiety and paranoia 14 Decrease in ability to focus 15 Frequent unexplained lethargy 16 Increased aggression 17 Loss of interest in hobbies or extracurricular activities 18 Unexplained agitation or increase in energy followed by a crash

What are the signs of drug abuse?

Parents who suspect drug abuse and addiction should keep an eye out for the signs: Some of these are symptoms of mental illness like depression, anxiety disorders, or bipolar disorder. Others are just signs of being a teenager. However, several of these symptoms together can point to a drug abuse problem.

How many teens use illicit drugs in 2014?

Teen use of illicit drugs is more common than many parents realize. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 27.2 percent of teens from grades 8-12 used an illicit drug at least once in 2014. Additionally, 19.4 percent of high school seniors reported binge drinking that year.

Can a 17 year old go to rehab?

Legally, people 17 years of age or younger can be put into residential drug rehab without their consent. This can seem like a very harsh decision, but there are circumstances where parents may have no other choice.

How many addiction treatment centers are there in the US?

There are over 14,500 addiction treatment centers in the US alone, each with its own philosophy and set of treatment programs.

Why are teens reluctant to go to rehab?

Make sure to address all of these concerns. For example, a teen can be reluctant to go to residential treatment because they don’t want to miss school. Or leave their best friend, or their romantic interest. They might be embarrassed about going to rehab because they think everyone’s going to find out.

What to do if someone doesn't go to treatment?

For example, if they don’t agree to treatment, you need to be ready to: Take away their car and keys. Limit money or access to your credit card.

Standards of treatment for teens

Teens may face emotional challenges as part of their adolescence, due to hormonal and brain changes. According to a recent poll by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), some issues teens are most concerned with include peer pressure, fitting in, sexual development, and issues with parents.

Why teen rehab centers?

Teen rehab centers could provide your teen with a sense of community while focusing on their specific needs, according to the NIH. These rehab centers can tackle substance abuse as well as the complex issues that face teens in their adolescent years—things like school work, peer pressure, and their changing bodies.

Adult rehab for teens

Adult rehab centers could also address your teen's needs, but there are some important aspects to consider.

Stressing Individuality

It can be difficult for teens to see the necessity of rehab when everyone they know is using drugs or drinking. Unfortunately, many teens fall into this camp.

Breaking Through Denial

Teens might vehemently deny that they have addictions, claiming that they:

Showing Compassion

Teens can begin abusing substances for a variety of reasons, but some teens turn to substance abuse because they have very real mental health issues that they just don’t know how to address.

How does substance abuse affect adolescents?

Substance use can have a significantly negative impact on the developing brain of an adolescent , and early drug abuse raises the risk of a substance use disorder in adulthood. 3. Teen substance abuse is often a problem that needs to be addressed with the help of medical and/or mental health professionals.

What is cognitive behavioral therapy?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to help the teen come to see how their thoughts fuel their behavior and learn how to change those thoughts. CBT also helps them to identify high-risk situations that may lead them to use drugs and helps them to build coping skills for cravings and triggering events. 5.

What is motivational interviewing?

Motivational interviewing is a method commonly used in adolescent substance abuse treatment. The relationship between the teen and therapist is important, and the therapist will help to guide the teen in discovering their motivation to seek recovery.

How many people used opioids in 2016?

The epidemic of prescription painkiller abuse is also affecting young people—in 2016, more than 880,000 kids between 12 and 17 misused opioid painkillers.

Is there a one size fits all treatment for drug addiction?

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for drug addiction, and what worked for another teen may not be right for yours. Inpatient rehab may not be needed in all cases.

What are the criteria for addiction?

There is a total of eleven criteria, including: Lack of control. Desire to quit but unable. Spending a lot of time trying to get the substance. Cravings. Lack of responsibility. Problems with relationships. Loss of interest.

Why do people forego treatment?

Many people decide to forego treatment because they haven’t hit rock bottom or they simply don’t think their problem is bad enough. The truth of the matter is: if you’re questioning whether or not you need help getting sober, you likely do.

How is severity determined?

The severity is determined by how many criteria you meet. For example, if two to three of the criteria apply to you, you would have a mild substance use disorder. But even if you have a mild diagnosis, you should still seek help to get sober.

Is it hard to admit to addiction?

When it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, it’s difficult to be objective and admit you have a problem . If substance abuse is causing negative effects in your life, it’s time to take a closer look and come to terms with the fact that you might have an addiction. Once you can accept that, you’re already on the path to recovery.

What is Jeffrey Juergens's degree?

Jeffrey Juergens earned his Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. Jeffrey’s desire to help others led him to focus on economic and social development and policy making. After graduation, he decided to pursue his passion of writing and editing. Jeffrey’s mission is to educate and inform the public on addiction issues and help those in need of treatment find the best option for them.

Can you get sober from addiction?

If you have an addiction and want to get sober, treatment may be your best option. Beating an addiction to drugs or alcohol requires not only eliminating the physical dependence but also addressing the behavioral issues. Simply quitting cold turkey will not change the psychological aspect of addiction.

Can addiction get worse?

Your Addiction Can Get Worse. Because addiction is measured on a spectrum, it’s true that a mild diagnosis may not be as bad as a severe one. It’s easy to say, “I could be worse.”. It’s important to remember that addiction is a progressive disease, meaning it will get worse.

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