Consult a licensed mental health professional if you think that your teen is abusing alcohol to determine the type of treatment she needs. Treatment is based on how much the teen is using, other medical conditions and other mental health issues.
Basics
Treating teens with alcohol problems has to be done differently than with adults due to their developmental issues, belief system and values.
Types
Types of treatment for teen alcohol abuse include individual and family therapy, intensive outpatient programs, detoxification and rehabilitation programs.
Considerations
When looking for treatments for your teen, you should ensure that the facility or therapist specializes in teens and has a background in teen development and substance abuse.
Family
When treating teens for any type of substance abuse, the family members should be involved in counseling. Many times there are family issues that need to be worked through and every family member is affected by the abuse.
Warning
When a teenager is dependent on alcohol, it's dangerous to stop drinking without the help of a medical professional. Consult your primary care physician, because your teen may need detoxification.
