Alcohol abuse and dependence can wreak havoc on a teenager's life. Abusing alcohol can result in issues at home and with family, poor grades and school attendance and being arrested.
Basics
If a teenager is abusing or dependent on alcohol, he may need treatment to deal with the underlying issues and reasons for the drug use. Treatment for teens has to be approached in a different way than treatment with adults due to their developmental needs.
Types
There are many types of alcohol treatment for teens including individual therapy, family therapy, 12 step programs, intensive outpatient programs, detoxification and rehabilitation programs.
Considerations
Treatment is based upon the teen's level of use and dependence, other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, medical problems, insurance and family support.
Benefits
Each type of treatment has its own benefits. For instance, intensive outpatient programs can offer individual, family and group therapy on a regular basis and allow the teen to stay at home, whereas long-term rehabilitation programs get the teenager away from drug using peers.
Warning
Alcohol dependence and withdrawal is serious. Withdrawal should be monitored closely by the teen's primary care physician or a detoxification program if she is dependent.
