Drug abuse is a problem that can be seen across the United States, ranging form large metropolitan cities to small rural towns. One troubling area of drug abuse is among adolescents. Although alcohol, marijuana and prescription medications tend to be the most popular substances abused according to 2009 statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, other drugs, including methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine have also found a place in high schools, and even middle schools, across the country. If you suspect your child is abusing drugs, there are several treatment options that may be available to you.
Detox
For adolescents who have built a dangerously high tolerance to drugs, a detoxification treatment may be needed. This is especially important for drugs such as heroin or other opiates, including the prescription drugs Oxycontin, Vicodin and methadone. Detox involves being closely monitored while going through withdrawal symptoms as the drug is metabolized out of the body. In some cases, medical detox may be used, which involves the use of other prescription medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Detox is only the beginning of a more detailed treatment plan.
Medications
Many medications have come onto the market to help to treat drug addiction. For example, opiate addictions are widely treated with the prescription medication methadone, as well as buprenorphine and to a lesser extent, naltrexone. Medications have also been developed to help in the treatment of alcohol and tobacco, and newer treatments are currently being developed for the treatment of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana addictions, states the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment is also available for adolescent substance abusers. Residential treatment involves removing the child completely from his environment and placing him on a treatment campus where he will live for an amount of time. The time depends on his needs. Residential treatment centers vary in their approach to treatment, but often include methods such as behavioral therapy, group therapy, life skills training and regular supervision. In some cases, residential treatment may be court-ordered.
Out-Patient Treatment
Out-patient therapy is similar to residential treatment in its offerings, but does not include the person physically living on the treatment campus. Some patients may start in residential treatment and move to out-patient, while others may only take part in out-patient therapy. Out-patient treatment is also common for those who are being assisted by medications, such as methadone for opiate abuse, and need to take the medication supervised and on-site.
Support Groups
Another treatment method for adolescent drug abusers and recovering addicts is support groups. Although there are many adult-based support groups for drug and alcohol use, there are also several teen-based groups, such as through the organization teen-anon. Support groups provide a security net that gives adolescent users accountability and support while transitioning into a life of sobriety.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Healthy Youth: Alcohol & Drug Use
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: NIDA InfoFacts: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: When Your Child Needs Substance Abuse Treatment
- Mayo Clinic: Addiction Treatment at Mayo Clinic
