The goal of rehab is lifelong recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. Therapists work with clients to identify the cause of addiction and develop a treatment plan that guides the client through each stage of recovery. However, when it comes to treatment, teen rehab is different from adult rehab.
It is important that both teens and their parents understand the differences in their addiction, triggers, emotions, development, and how they respond to substances. Parents also need to understand why it is that their child starts to use a substance in the first place.
Let’s take a look below at how teen rehab is different from adult rehab so that you can approach treatment with the right mindset.
Psychological Development
Teens rarely understand the long-term impact of their decisions. The main reason for this is because they lack the experiences that adults have encountered. Therefore, their perspective is limited. Teens are more likely to take risks with drugs or alcohol that adults may no longer wish to take.
Therapists who work with teenagers often teach teenagers about the long-term consequences of their actions. They help teens understand that if they continue to drink or take drugs, it will cause multiple problems as they enter adulthood.
Academics
A teenager may be in rehab for up to 90 days with extended intensive outpatient treatment. During this time, they may several weeks of school. Teen rehab programs provide courses that allow teens to continue their studies while they are working on their recovery.
Teens should be able to continue taking courses so that they do not get behind in their academics. Falling behind can lead to stress, which may trigger a relapse. Courses also give teens an opportunity to improve their schoolwork and meet their academic goals. This can be a huge motivator to quit drinking or taking drugs.
Family Involvement
One of the ways in which teen rehab is different from adult rehab is the level of family involvement that is necessary during rehab. Teenagers need full family support from both parents and siblings. The greater the support, the greater the chances that the teen will complete the program successfully.
Family involvement may include:
- Individual therapy for each member of the family
- Group therapy with other clients and families
- Family therapy to address and solve problems in the home
- Evidence-based treatment
- Holistic treatment and activities
Involuntary Treatment
Regardless of the severity of an addiction, adults often get to decide if they want treatment. Teenagers do not always have a choice. A parent may decide that a teenager needs help even if the teenager does not agree. As such, a therapist may have work with the teenager until they understand the value of their treatment.
During this time, parents need to be patient with their child, who may be confused, angry or feel betrayed. With the right therapy, a teenager may see why rehab is important in their emotional and psychological development.
Learn Why Teen Rehab is Different from Adult Rehab
If you would like to learn how teen rehab is different from adult rehab, then contact Foothills at Red Oak. We offer comprehensive treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. To get treatment for your teenager, contact us online or call 866.300.5275.
