If you are searching for addiction treatment services for your son or daughter, we commend you for taking this step forward. Choosing to seek outside help for a loved one is a difficult decision to make, especially for parents who have witnessed the toll that drugs have taken on their child firsthand. It is hard enough seeing your teen face-to-face with a drug problem. It is hard enough to realize that your child, who is now a young adult, is making choices that constantly put his or her life at risk. It these challenges, these hardships, that have brought you here today. Enough is enough.

You are ready to make a change. You are ready to help your child get healthy and sober for the long-haul. Where do you begin?

Choosing the right addiction treatment services for your son or daughter will be a critical factor in his or her recovery journey. This is a huge decision for parents to make. The right addiction treatment center can undoubtedly bring the most long-term, successful outcomes for your son or daughter. However, not choosing the right methods or facility is one of the most common reasons that treatment is unsuccessful for many. Before deciding on addiction treatment for your loved one, it is important to figure out exactly what he or she needs from a treatment center. Ask yourself the following questions to find the addiction treatment services that are most fitting to your child’s (and your family’s) situation.

• How old is your loved one? Teens and young adults are highly sensitive to social cues, meaning that the relationships your child has with peers now are likely some of the most influential. It is recommended, therefore, that teens and young adults battling drug addiction enter a program that is age-specific. Here, they can relate to and connect with others who understand them and are going through similar experiences.
• Male or female? Just as age-specific treatment is important, so is gender-specific addiction treatment. In a gender-specific environment, girls are often more comfortable speaking out about their struggles with drugs and trauma; all the while, boys can better connect with peers of similar mindsets and interests.
• What is his or her drug of choice? Drug of choice is a huge factor in addiction treatment. Today, there are drug-specific treatment programs available for opiate addiction, cocaine addiction, and even marijuana addiction.
• How long has he or she been using? The length of time your son or daughter has been using will be a determining factor in the length of treatment he or she will require. Typically, at least 90 days of drug treatment is recommended.
• Does he or she struggle with mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety? Adolescent and young adult drug abuse is often associated with co-occurring mental health problems, such as ADHD, behavioral conduct problems, as well as depressive and anxiety disorders. If you feel your son or daughter may be battling something alongside addiction, it will be necessary that you choose a treatment program that addresses both these needs. Mental health and drug addiction are often intertwined disorders, and require specialized dual diagnosis treatment.
• Does he or she have any physical health issues relating to drugs? With drug addiction comes many physical ailments, as well, such as chronic pain, insomnia, seizures, and other symptoms of withdrawal. If your loved one is experiencing any physical health issues, it is important that this is addressed and managed in part with his or her drug addiction treatment. Learning how to cope and manage these conditions without turning to drugs is a great step your son or daughter will take in his or her treatment program.
• Has your loved one experienced trauma in his or her lifetime? 55 to 99 percent of women in drug treatment report a history of trauma, and this is just the beginning. Many adolescents and young adults who resort to drug abuse often have a traumatic experience at the root of it. If your child has experienced a severe accident, abuse, death, or any harrowing relationship, it is important that it is addressed and talked about in trauma-informed addiction treatment.

Addiction treatment services are not one-size-fits-all. No single type of treatment is appropriate for everyone, and what works for someone else may not be the best fit for your child. Addiction treatment services vary depending on a person’s age and gender, background and upbringing, mental stability, drug of choice, and other considerable characteristics. Choosing a treatment environment and addiction services that fully match your son or daughter’s needs, and choosing a plan that is customizable to his or her preferences, will be imperative for a successful recovery.

Types of Addiction Treatment Services for Adolescents & Young Adults

Teens and young adults have unique needs in addiction treatment. Their brains are still in development; their abilities to make practical decisions, plan ahead, and maintain self-control are not completely refined. Adolescent and young adult addiction treatment services need to recognize and understand this level of development. They also need to act early. Repeated drug use in the younger years can affect brain development long-term.

There are many different options recommended for young people needing addiction treatment, such as:

• Detoxification – Most treatment plans start with detoxification and medically managed withdrawal. If your son or daughter has been using for a long period of time and experiences withdrawal symptoms, detox may also be his or her first stage of drug treatment. This service is provided to help individuals ween off drugs safely, however, does not address the other psychological, social, and behavioral problems associated with drug addiction. For a lasting recovery, detoxification is typically followed by extensive young adult addiction treatment.
• Long-Term Residential Treatment – Long-term, residential drug treatment is recommended for teens and young adults who need regular, watchful care and a safe, drug-free environment to heal. Residential facilities offer 24/7 addiction treatment services, generally in non-hospital settings, and structured treatment regimens that last anywhere from six to 12 months. These programs often focus on the long-term success of a person, teaching them how to re-socialize with the community, manage drug cravings and compulsions, develop personal accountability, and live a productive, harmonious sober life.
• Behavioral Therapy – Behavioral therapies are critical in helping young people recover from drug addiction. These approaches engage individuals in their treatment, modify their attitudes and behaviors relating to drug use, help ex-users recognize the root of their problems, and teach as well as encourage life-skills to handle stressful situations in the future.
• Dual Diagnosis – Integrated dual diagnosis treatment addresses drug addiction as well as any co-occurring mental health issues that are present in teens in young adults.
• 12-Step Program – 12-step facilitation is an active engagement therapy designed to get those in recovery involved in their treatment through self-help, support groups, and personal mentors. This type of program can help your son or daughter maintain long-term abstinence and build supportive, sober relationships.

You have the ability to choose the best addiction treatment services for your loved one’s needs. Think about what your son or daughter wants, what he or she needs, and what will help your child find the most success and willingness in recovery. For information about the types of addiction treatment services offered at Turnbridge’s young adult rehab center, please call +1 (877) 581-1793 today.