No parent wants to believe that their child needs teen drug detox. Admitting that their teen is not only using drugs, but also requires medical treatment, is unbearably difficult for any parent.
Unfortunately, if there is a history of substance abuse in the family or if the teen has experienced trauma or a mental health diagnosis, they are more likely to develop a substance use disorder. According the National Institute on Drug Addiction (NIDA), those living with drug addiction are at least twice as likely to be diagnosed with co-occurring mental health disorders. At Newport Academy, we view substance use disorder and other maladaptive coping behaviors as symptoms of an underlying mental health issue, such as trauma, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
Teen Drug Detox
When a teenager experiences withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop using drugs, a drug detox program is the only safe choice. Medical care will help the teen avoid relapse and safely navigate the experience.
While Newport Academy does not provide medically assisted detox , we partner with drug detox programs to support teen clients in finding sustainable recovery. Once a teen has undergone drug detox at another facility, treatment at Newport Academy can guide them to heal the root causes of substance use disorder. Our residential programming, which includes family therapy, experiential treatment, and academic support, is often the most effective level of care following drug detox.
Contact us today to learn more about treatment for the underlying causes of substance abuse.
The Development of Drug Addiction in Teens
There are a number of possible reasons why some teens develop a physical and emotional dependence upon drugs and alcohol. Though there is no one definitive cause or group of causes that has been shown to trigger drug addiction in patients, a number of contributing factors have been identified. These include:
- Genetic predisposition. When a parent or other close biological relative struggles with addiction, they pass along the tendency to their descendants.
- Co-occurring diagnoses. Depression, anxiety, eating disorders etc. can trigger the abuse of drugs. Using drugs as a result of a mental health struggle can ultimately evolve to an addiction issue as well.
- Environmental factors. Easy access to prescription drugs, alcohol and other illicit substances can contribute to the development of an addiction. Parents are encouraged to keep prescription drugs and alcohol under tight wraps. And, to properly dispose of unwanted prescription painkillers and sedatives.
- Stress. Issues at home and at school that cause a teen to develop self-esteem issues increases changes for drug use. The chances that he or she will turn to drugs and alcohol in an attempt to escape those feelings. When the stress does not lift, the repeated abuse of drugs and alcohol can lead to addiction.
- Trauma or abuse. Teens who experiencs trauma or abuse are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. They suppress the confusing and painful emotions that come up. Unless this underlying issue is treated, relapse will be a recurring issue.
Goal of Detox Treatment
Detox addresses the physical nature of addiction of drugs and alcohol. Following detox, therapeutic treatment addresses the mental and emotional dependence and the underlying causes of substance abuse.
Ultimately, the goal of teen drug rehab following medical detox is to heal the mental health issues associated with the substance abuse.
The Detox and Treatment Process
Medically assisted drug detox is the first step in treatment for substance use disorder. Achieving sustainable recovery requires additional treatment.
- Physical stabilization. Withdrawal symptoms require immediate medical attention and stabilization efforts. Also, those who experience drug-induced psychosis and/or are diagnosed with a co-occurring mental health issue may also require medication and medical attention in order to stabilize before heading deeper into treatment.
- Physical and mental healing. Once detox is complete, the therapeutic healing process can begin. Evidence-based treatment programs use proven modalities to address the mental health issues associated with substance use disorder. For teens, this process typically includes mending disrupted family relationships.
- Planning for the future. As teens progress through treatment, they can begin to look toward the future. This may include setting educational or career goals or addressing other specific issues in their lives. The more control recovering teens feel that they have in the outcomes of their own happiness, the more likely they will be to make positive decisions.
Preparation for Detox and Treatment
Teens will do better in detox and addiction treatment if they take the time to prepare. There are a number of different ways to best prepare, and it is different for each teen and their family. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, some options include:
- Intervention. Even though the addicted teen’s consent is not necessary for parents and guardians to enroll them in detox, an intervention can be helpful in preparing them for the experience of detox and addiction treatment. Knowing that they have the support of family members and that no one judges them for their disorder is crucial to the healing process.
- Open discussion. Parents need to help their teens understand that treatment is not a punishment, but a necessary means to recovery.
- Conversations with the therapist/counselor/director. Talking to a therapist or a counselor can help parents determine the best way to prepare their teen for the particular experience that awaits them at the chosen treatment program.
- Packing and expectations of care. Teens attending detox and/or a residential program foll0wing detox are only allowed to bring certain items with them. Parents can help their teens to pack for treatment and prepare them for what to expect.
Paying for Drug Detox
Money should never be an obstacle to necessary medical treatment, and drug and alcohol addiction tops the list of medical conditions that plague teens and require immediate and comprehensive care. The cost of avoiding treatment or attempting to skip it altogether can be far higher than the cost of rehab itself. Though it may take a bit of creativity and perseverance to take advantage of all the resources available to assist in paying the bill, parents who invest the time and effort will find themselves and their teen well rewarded. Some options include:
- Health insurance coverage. Drug detox is a medical treatment and many health insurance plans cover the full cost of treatment after the deductible has been met. Medications and addiction treatment may be covered under other parts of the policy. Parents should double check details with providers and get some solid numbers before looking elsewhere for financial assistance.
- Borrowing. Those who have friends and family with the resources and interest in assisting may be agreeable to setting up a no-interest loan with parents of addicted teens.
- Savings. Retirement funds and college funds may or may not be a good option for paying for treatment. Parents with savings designated for other purposes should consult with an accountant to determine the best choice for their portfolio.
- Financing. Loans of any size, secured or unsecured and low-interest or no interest at all are available to anyone who needs it for the purposes of paying for addiction treatment. Parents can discuss their options with the teen rehab they choose.
Treatment Can Help Get Your Teen Back
Postponing teen drug detox is costly and dangerous. Every day that a teen continues to live with an active drug addiction, the risk of overdose or death due to accident is a very real concern.
Families who recognize addictive behavior in teens should call their insurance company to explore coverage and treatment options. In addition, it’s important to do research on follow-up care for after detox, to ensure that teens have the opportunity to address the root causes of their substance use disorder. Many teen treatment centers, including Newport Academy, accept a wide variety of insurance plans.
Once drug detox is complete, Newport Academy can help your teen get back on track and develop skills and self-knowledge for a thriving future. Questions about how our treatment provides the appropriate foll0w-up to drug detox? Our Admissions staff is always available to help you find a treatment center that’s best for your teen and family.