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Overview
If you are a teen who is addicted to drugs and ready to get help, or you know an adolescent who would benefit by entering a drug treatment program, there are hundreds of adolescent drug treatment programs all over the country that provide substance abuse treatment services. Read on to learn more about your options for overcoming addiction.
Considerations
Choosing the right adolescent drug treatment program will depend on a number of factors. The first step is meeting with a counselor or drug treatment specialist to determine the extent of the substance abuse problem. Other factors, such as cost and program length, should be considered. Some adolescent drug treatment programs provide outpatient services, while other programs provide full-time inpatient services. Some adolescent drug treatment centers offer pain-free detoxification drugs, while other centers don't use drugs for withdrawal. Discuss treatment options with your family and a counselor.
Inpatient Programs
One option for adolescent drug treatment programs is a residential rehabilitation program. This type of drug treatment program provides inpatient medical care, access to counselors and medical professionals, and support groups with other adolescents. Most adolescents stay in these programs anywhere between one month and a year. The around-the-clock care that residential programs provide make them a costly option for adolescent drug treatment programs.
Outpatient Programs
Outpatient adolescent drug treatment programs provide services, such as psychotherapy, behavioral therapy and step oriented programs. Outpatient treatment programs provide services that are similar to inpatient programs, except that patients are not required to live at the treatment facility. Some adolescent drug treatment programs have special programs for patients battling addictions to certain substances, such as cocaine or heroin. Other programs offer support groups designed especially for adolescent girls or those battling depression.
Potential
Whether you choose an inpatient or outpatient treatment option, be prepared for a lot of hard work and determination. Adolescent drug treatment centers will force you to recognize your addiction and learn how to make dramatic changes in your life. Although there will be counselors to help you, you must take personal responsibility for your recovery and learn how to use the supportive resources around you to change your life.
Warning
When choosing an adolescent drug treatment program, be cautious of programs that promise to cure your addiction. Treatment programs are only successful if the individual is committed to achieving recovery. An adolescent drug treatment program will provide a patient with the necessary tools for rehabilitation, such as therapy and support groups, but the patient must be ready for recovery.
