Adolescent Drug Rehab Programs

Teens and adolescents are perhaps at the greatest risk for developing a drug addiction.  A combination of factors including self-image issues, peer pressure and other root causes lead to millions of substance abuse issues among teens every year.  Making matters worse, adolescents are experimenting with drugs at a time when their bodies are going through crucial stages of development – potentially hampering their adult lives as well.

There are a number of root causes behind substance abuse and drug addiction in adolescents that are unique to the age group, including:

• Self-image issues. Teenagers are going through an awkward period when they are in high school.  Many will feel uneasy about their bodies, which can bring about emotional pain, anxiety and depression.   To self-medicate these negative feelings, many will turn to drugs. 

• Peer pressure. It’s a story that is as old as the hills, but what held true with cigarette smoking decades ago is true today with drugs and alcohol – if a young person runs with a peer group that is taking drugs, they are very likely to experiment themselves.  And while many never get beyond the experimental stage, for others it can lead to addiction.

• Academic performance pressure. Kids today are under more pressure than ever in school.  College admissions are highly competitive, and the fight for a scholarship is a difficult journey.  This leads to two distinct problems with drugs.  First, kids may start to use stimulants in order work longer hours or enhance focus, and second, many will turn to drugs in order to ease anxiety over their schoolwork.

• Unsafe home environment. Children who are the victim of sexual or physical abuse at home take drugs to numb their emotional pain and escape the harsh realities of life.  Taking drugs alone and in isolation leads many into addiction at a young age.

Drug rehab for adolescents focuses on the issues that are most relevant to young people (see above).  These programs also leverage the peer networks organically established by teenagers through group counseling sessions and other activities where the recovering addicts in the program have a chance to bond, share experiences and turn to one another for support.

In addition, there is a special emphasis placed on helping the adolescent’s development into adulthood.  Many rehab programs will include education or vocational opportunities for their young residents so that they do not miss a substantial part of their schooling experience while engaged with their recovery.

Finally, adolescent drug rehab programs involve the entire family.  Most programs will include family counseling sessions during the recovery process so that parents and siblings can learn how to help their loved one achieve recovery – and how to better communicate with the individual once the program is over.

Seasons Recovery Centers has an inpatient drug rehab program where individuals of all ages learn how to heal, break the cycle of addiction and become stronger in mind, body and spirit.  Those individuals who are satisfied with the level of care they receive at Seasons are eligible for the full guarantee programs.  For more information, contact Season in Malibu today.