Adolescent Treatment Centers, Rehabs, and Programs

Welcome to Adolescenttreatmentcenters.net

At adolescenttreatmentcenters.net, we have assembled a database of the most effective drug, alcohol, and process addiction centers and programs. We have designed our site to help you find the rehabilitation program that best suits your needs and expectations.

Benefits of using Adolescenttreatmentcenters.net

Using adolescenttreatmentcenters.net allows you to narrow down your search to those programs that will provide you with a treatment program that is tailored to your, or a loved one’s, specific needs and circumstances. We have included in this site programs that are concentrate on those issues that face adolescents and addiction – including peer-to-peer counseling, and the necessary academic assistance to help the individual maintain his or her schooling. We also list inpatient and outpatient treatment centers and programs, as well alternative or non-traditional programs.

What is Adolescent addiction?

Addiction to drugs and alcohol during the adolescent years (roughly twelve to nineteen) poses problems that are different from those of the adult addict. Besides the addition addiction itself, there are physiological and psychological developmental issues, societal attitudes and pressures, and academic issues that must be addressed. Combining with all of these is that the adolescent is inexperienced in approaches to the problems that people face in day-to-day life, and how best effectively deal with those problems.

Most commonly abused substances and signs of abuse

Among adolescents, the most commonly abused substances include:

• Alcohol
• Inhalants (paint, glue, etc.)
• Prescription drugs (including Ritalin and Adderall)
• Marijuana
• Club drugs (ecstasy, K2)

The availability and cost of any particular substance are the determining factors, and are related to the age of the abuser (younger abusers typically have less money, less mobility, and restricted contact with older adolescents).
The signs of abuse include:

• Changes in behavior at school
• Problems at school, especially with teachers and administrators
• Severe mood swings (beyond what is normal for this age group)
• Defiance
• Grade changes for the worse
• Apathy
• A change in the circle of friends
• Arrests and other problems with the legal system

In addition to these signs, an individual will also exhibit the signs of abuse, dependence, and addiction that are specific to any given substance. Bear in mind that these problems are all exacerbated by the age and stage of physical and psychological development of the individual.

Types of treatments

The most effective treatment programs for those adolescents suffering from addiction are having the greatest success by incorporating behavioral and medical therapies that include:

• Immediate and consistent access to an adult role model
• Building healthy relationships with family, teachers, and classmates
• Helping the adolescent develop a sense of control over the conditions and the environment which form the core of his or her life
• Developing coping and organizing skills
• Creating routines

Schooling in treatment

Academics are a critical component of any treatment program. Until an individual has finished required schooling, any treatment program must provide a means to continuing studies so the patient will not drop behind peers, and will be able to complete his or her schooling at the same time and with the same sets of skills as others. Not addressing this creates a new set of problems that may trigger a return to addiction. Long-term, inpatient facilities carefully blend therapy with education, wherein programs interweave treatment techniques with the curriculum, immersing the individual in an environment in which all phases of a program are in operation at all times, in order to establish a sober lifestyle, academic achievement, and appropriate life skills.