Teenagers and young adults are perhaps the most vulnerable when it comes to the abusive effects that alcohol and drugs can have. So much of the brain function and body function found in humans occurs during this timeframe that a body can be severely damaged, both physically and mentally, when abuse takes place at this age. That is why getting the proper treatment when a problem is seen at this time can be so critical to people. Finding the right alcohol and drug treatments for teens is an important step to helping them reclaim their lives back.

A Specific Teen Treatment Center is needed

Sending a teen to a standard adult alcohol and drug rehabilitation center is not always going to be the most beneficial answer for your teen. While they will get treatment that may be badly needed at an adult facility, they would be much better off in a rehab facility that is designed specifically for teenagers. There is an obvious difference about the way the mind of the typical teenager works over that of an adult and the same types of methods employed at an adult facility when it comes to detox and counseling may not be as effective when working with a teenager.

At a teen rehab center you will find counselors and therapists that are more familiar with teens and have experience working with teen issues and events that are likely causes of some of the addictive actions, such as things like low self-esteem and poor self-image, issues with peer pressure or particular familial problems that teens experience. Counselors and centers that are familiar in dealing with teens will have a more designed treatment approach that addresses the particular needs of the teen better than an adult facility.

What to Expect From an Adolescent Addiction Treatment Center

Since the facility itself is different, there are also some typical differences in the approach of an adolescent addiction treatment center when it comes to alcohol and drug treatment for teens. Even though some of the steps may be somewhat similar to what an adult may experience when undergoing treatment, the tactics used when dealing with teens will be geared more towards the physical, mental and social aspects that teens are more familiar with to help them better. Some of the typical steps may include:

• Some Form of Detox – As is the case with any type of treatment program for adults or teens, a period of detox in order to get the person clear of the chemicals and toxins that are in their body as a result of alcohol or drug abuse will occur. In this case, the regimen is geared towards the needs of the teen and appropriate adjustments are made regarding the approach and treatment, including having the necessary staff of professionals on hand for any type of withdrawal period that will occur.
• Counseling – An important step in any type of rehab, teens undergoing treatment will experience counseling as part of their treatment to help them get at the causes for their dependency and to openly discuss the reasons that they may have chosen to use alcohol or drugs. This will help in the development of strategies to avoid these pitfalls in the future and how they can best avoid dependency issues and make better decisions for themselves.
• Aftercare – Just as will happen at an adult facility, there is going to be some type of aftercare program that should be adhered to following the teen’s stay as an inpatient at a residential treatment for teens facility. This most likely will include some type of regular attendance to a 12-step program where the teen can get the specific support he or she needs, along with the recommendation for continued counseling as part of regular therapy, either as an outpatient at the current facility or in another counseling setting. This is all designed to help provide the needed support for the teen to try to stay away from the temptations and situations that exist that can lead to a relapse.