Teen rehab is an important part of Orange County, CA
Known as an affluent, largely suburban county, Orange County is considered a safe place to raise kids. But the prosperity and conservative politics of Southern California haven’t protected teens from substance use. Because of this, substance use disorder is a growing issue in Orange County.
Teen Drug Rehab in Orange County, CA
Orange County sees the latest trends in drug and alcohol use. This includes prescription drug use. Narcotic use is also continuing to climb among teens.
Parents work hard to provide a comfortable life for their family. They often feel frustrated, angry, and scared when they think about substance abuse. Although it’s not possible to insulate your kids completely against the influences of international drug trafficking and the local drug culture, help is available. Teen rehab programs are tailored to the needs of adolescents. Though it might be painful to examine, we must look what teens are up against.
Substance Abuse Trends in OC Teens
The world knows Orange County as the home of Disneyland. But, for California teens, the OC is a source of illicit drugs like heroin, meth, cocaine, and marijuana.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Advisory Council, the most abused drugs among young people in the area include:
- Marijuana: 40 percent of high school students and 55 percent of junior high students use this drug
- Alcohol: Inexpensive and accessible, alcohol is the drug of choice for many teens
- Methamphetamine: About 12 percent of high school students and 15 percent of junior high students who use substances reported that they prefer this drug.
- LSD: This psychedelic drug is making a comeback among teens
Rise of Prescription Drugs
Illicit drugs and alcohol aren’t the only substances that lure Southern California teens. ABC News reports that the abuse of prescription drugs among teens has become an epidemic. Painkillers like Vicodin and OxyContin are responsible for overdoses and fatalities in Orange County. Prescription pain relievers, tranquilizers, and stimulants are in many medicine cabinets. This makes it easy for teenagers to experiment with these drugs. Because these medications are prescribed, many teens assume that they’re safer than street drugs. But they’re not.
Not every teenager who experiments with drugs or alcohol will end up addicted. But for a lot of teens, experimentation and recreational use are the first steps to dependence. As a result of dabbling, many end up with dangerous habits.
Rehab is often the only way to get a family’s life back on track once it’s been taken over by substance abuse. Consequently, it is important to review all the options.
Investigating Treatment Options in Orange County
Parents who are seeking drug rehab for teens have no shortage of options in Orange County. Hence, it is wise to make a choice that works for you and your family.
The communities in this region offer a public, nonprofit, and private rehabilitation options. Public organizations like the Orange County Health Care Agency provide affordable recovery services to teens and their families. These include detox, individual and family counseling, rehab for pregnant teens, and dual diagnosis programs for adolescents.
Private rehab centers are also available in Orange County, but how do you know which one of these facilities is right for your son or daughter? Look for a facility that offers specialized care for adolescents — not just watered-down rehab for adults.
At Newport Academy, we offer individualized treatment for adolescents in gender-specific residential facilities. Our services also include outpatient treatment and intensive family therapy. Call us to find out which approach to recovery is best for your child.