Treating Adolescents With Substance Use Disorders: Texas Experts Share Insights

No parent wants to learn that their child has developed an addiction. But if that has come to pass with your teen, you have to act quickly. Addiction can quickly spiral out of control and can put your child at increased risk of abuse, injury, and death. But how can one go about treating such a complicated condition?

The harsh reality is that you may not have the right tools and training to bring your child out of an addiction. But your support and understanding can make all the difference, especially when paired with a specialized rehab program for teens.

Drug & Alcohol Use is Decreasing, but Teens Are Still Getting Addicted

Although drug and alcohol use among teenagers continues to decline toward pre-pandemic levels, Texas-based experts from Clearfork Academy say that the use of more discreet products like nicotine pouches, high-potency cannabis edibles, and counterfeit pills continues to see an upward trend. These products can be both highly addictive and extremely dangerous, often coming with risks of contamination from illicit drugs like fentanyl. Additionally, all substances are harmful to a teenager’s developing brain, and addicted teens are more likely to develop substance use disorders and mental health disorders later on in life.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse also notes that men and boys aged 12 and above are more likely to engage in substance abuse than women and girls, with peer pressure and the desire to be included in friend groups being cited as some of the primary reasons.

Treating Addiction in Teens

Because addiction is often associated with unresolved mental health issues or trauma, treatment is complex and requires interventions from professionals—this is especially true for adolescents, who have more specialized needs compared to adults with an addiction.

For this reason, addiction recovery programs designed around the medical and emotional needs of teenagers will ensure your child receives tailored treatments for their addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders.

What Treatments Look Like

There are several options on the continuum of care, but if your child’s addiction is severe, they will most likely need a residential treatment program. These are designed for severe addictions, offering amenities that include a facility for medically supervised detoxes. Throughout this component of treatment, your teen will be monitored 24/7 to address any cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and mental health episodes, ensuring they pose no risk of harm to themselves or other individuals.

Residential treatment programs differ by provider, but generally, the patient will receive therapy once detox is complete. Some modalities commonly offered include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and trust-based relational intervention, all of which are intended to address both the addiction and contributing mental health issues.

In some facilities, such as Clearfork Academy, patients will be able to participate in family therapy and sports, art, and other recreational programs in addition to clinical treatment. These are intended to help them develop better communication skills, learn healthier coping mechanisms, and build a sense of community.

Experts believe that these types of activities can lead to long-lasting recovery—after all, if your teen discovers joy and fulfillment from a new hobby and feels like they have emotional support, they are much less likely to relapse.

Clearfork Academy
City: Fort Worth
Address: 7820 Hanger Cutoff Road
Website: https://clearforkacademy.com/
Phone: +1-888-430-5149
Email: info@clearforkacademy.com