Adolescents with substance use problems have several options when it comes to receiving treatment, but if the adolescent does not does not want treatment, it is only be a waste of time and money. During drug treatment, it is important to figure out why the adolescent starting using drugs in the first place and whether any psychological issues are present. Drug addicts go through stages of treatment, first detox, then rehab, then intensive outpatient therapy, then outpatient therapy. Each stage is less intense than the previous, meaning that the adolescent is gradually given more freedom. The family should be involved in each stage of treatment, for family support is essential for a teen during the time he is getting off drugs.
Detoxification
Detoxification, or detox, is a treatment used to medically get all of the drugs and toxins out of the adolescent’s system. According to addictionca.com, the first step of detox is withdrawal, which is the discontinuation of the drug, and allowing the person to readjust herself physically and psychologically. This step is usually very uncomfortable for the patient. Physical and behavioral symptoms may then occur, such as moodiness, aggression, or other psychological changes, reports addictionca.com. At treatment centers, staff attempts to decrease withdrawal symptoms by providing medical and psychological treatment. A detox is considered successful when the adolescent no longer has the drug toxins in the body and no longer experiences the negative effects of drugs, reports addictionca.com.
Rehabilitation
Drug rehabilitation, or rehab, occurs after detox. It is typically located in a locked setting. During rehab, several activities take place, such as individual therapy, education sessions, group meetings with other addicts, consultations with doctors, and family visits, according to drugrehab.net. All of these programs are focused on the individual’s drug use. Examples of what the programs focus on include why the person started using, her drug of choice, the consequences of using, ways to stop using, and ways to cope with “triggers” when she completes rehab.
Intensive Outpatient/Outpatient Therapy
Outpatient therapy is a step down from rehab. During rehab, the individual is in a locked unit and cannot go home, but in intensive therapy, he is allowed to go home after the program. The difference between intensive outpatient therapy and outpatient therapy is the number of times per week the adolescent attends. During intensive outpatient therapy, the adolescent attends more group and individual sessions compared to regular outpatient therapy. Both forms of treatment include group and individual therapy sessions, based on similar types of treatment in the rehab program, such as therapy, learning about “triggers” of drug use and learning about the consequences of using. At this point in his treatment, he can say no to drugs and maintain sobriety. The therapist typically follows up with the adolescent after treatment has ended; sometimes “check in” sessions occur once a month or whenever the adolescent feels he needs it.
Medication Management
Medication management is for individuals who have both psychological problems and drug addictions, which is very common. Psychotropic medications, in conjunction with therapy, may help the adolescent with her interpersonal problems that may have led to drug use. Psychotropic medications help balance the chemicals in the brain that typically are a contributing factor to mental illness. Psychotropic medications cannot be abruptly stopped after therapy is completed; the therapist, doctor, and patient must agree to stopping the medications. The adolescent must be slowly weaned off medication so as to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
About this Author
Cristina A. Fernandez is a newly discovered writer focusing in the field of psychology. She has extensive experience writing about a variety of topics from the field of psychology, including mental health disorders, addictions, and psychotropic medications. Fernandez graduated at the top of her class from the University of Pennsylvania with a master’s degree in psychological services.
