Although youth addiction is a very serious problem, there are plenty of teenage drug treatment programs available. The severity and type of addiction is always going to be the deciding factor on how to appropriately deal with teenage drug and alcohol abuse. Be sure to consult with your physician and/or a psychiatrist before making any decisions as their insight into the medical problems facing an individual patient are incredibly important.
For non-life threatening addictions such as a mental or emotional dependency on marijuana or the teenage drug abuse such as Adderal, a trip to the psychologist is probably the best first step. Also teenage prescription drug abuse can also be a problem. These problems can often be confronted with a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and a more disciplined home life. Individual addictions will need specific treatments, but in general minor problems will not require drastic solutions.
More threatening problems such as cocaine usage could require a more drastic intervention. Depending on how severe the case is will influence the course of treatment. For instance, very rare or small usage of cocaine can usually be dealt with by doctor intervention. However, cocaine or alcohol addiction that are severely inhibiting social functioning and posing health risks might require some type of institutionalization.
Although involuntary commitment at a mental hospital is possible with a judge’s order, this is often not the best first step. There are a number of closely monitored rehabilitation clinics around the country that welcome teens into their therapy. The best ones, particularly with teenagers, will keep patients entirely on whatever campus is being used, at least for the early stages. It is important to establish a rhythm to life that doesn’t involve drugs or behaviors that triggers behaviors that have enabled the addiction.
Once an addiction gets completely out of control, parents might start considering drastic measures. Institution or other involuntary confinement should only be used as a last resort. Most mental hospitals will hold a patient for three day observational period to determine whether they’re a threat to themselves or others. Most addiction programs however are voluntary. Speak with family physicians before considering this option as taking a child out of school for extended periods with no set release date could be extremely detrimental to them. However, if it is the only way to save their lives, it is a necessary evil.
