Alcohol use by adolescents runs the spectrum from one-time experimentation to problematic use to full-blown alcoholism. Teens who find themselves repeatedly drinking to excess and getting in trouble with the law, at school or at home may require intervention. In addition, those who become dependent on alcohol, a condition characterized by cravings and withdrawal symptoms, are in need of treatment to help them overcome their addiction and get their lives back on track.
Outpatient and Inpatient Treatment
Depending on the severity of their alcohol abuse problem, teens may require outpatient or inpatient treatment at a facility specializing in substance abuse disorders. Inpatient treatment typically lasts for 30 days to one year and involves education, therapy and psychosocial rehabilitation. Unfortunately, too few teens get this type of intensive care. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, only 5.9 to 8.1 percent of adolescents in need of alcohol treatment received it from a specialty substance abuse treatment facility between 2002 and 2007.
Therapeutic Communities
An alternative approach to alcohol treatment is the use of therapeutic communities. In this treatment method, teens live together in a sober environment and support one another in their efforts to live without alcohol. This treatment typically lasts 12 to 18 months. As explained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS, "The community provides a safe and nurturing environment within which adolescents can begin to experience healthy living."
Self-Help Groups
In addition to treatment and supportive living environments, adolescents often benefit from 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous. AA provides a program for living as well as a supportive group of peers where teens can share their struggles and draw strength from others who have gone through similar experiences. "Self-help groups offer positive role models, new friends who are learning to enjoy life free from substance use, people celebrating sober living, and a place to learn how to cope with stress and other relapse triggers," according to HHS.
Family Therapy
Involving the family in the adolescent's treatment is especially important. As stated by the California Society of Addiction Medicine, or CSAM, "Since adolescents typically still reside with their family of origin, treatment for adolescent substance abuse requires a strong family therapy component." Using family therapy, it may be possible to improve communication among the teen's parents, siblings and other family members to bring about a healthier family environment that is more conducive to the maintenance of sobriety.
Dual Diagnosis
Complicating the process of alcohol treatment for adolescents is the fact that many teens who abuse alcohol also abuse other substances--and many are experiencing symptoms of mental illness as well. According to CSAM, "Up to 80% of adolescents with substance abuse exhibit co-occurring psychiatric disorders." Thus, treatment providers must address multiple issues at once in order to help adolescents remain free of alcohol and regain control of their lives.
References
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Trends in Substance Use, Dependence or Abuse, and Treatment Among Adolescents: 2002 to 2007
- Department of Health and Human Services: Alcohol Treatment and Adolescents
- California Society of Addiction Medicine: Blueprint for Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Treatment in California
