Young adults ages 18 to 25 years old are more likely than any other age group to struggle with substance and drug abuse issues. Young adult brains and bodies are different than those of adults so specialized treatment programs which focus on this are better than putting young adults in treatment programs with older adults. Addiction recovery for young adults varies by facility but often has a special approach catered to the needs of young people who are at a vulnerable place in life.
Youth Addiction Treatment
Young adulthood is a time of change and transition from being a teenager to a self-sufficient adult, independent of one’s parents and family. Many young adults find this transition difficult to navigate on one’s own which creates opportunities for growth but also for experimentation away from the watchful eye of parents. Addiction treatment services provide opportunities for this demographic to receive much needed help and support in the following ways:
- Inpatient addiction treatment. Young adult must reside in the treatment facility during treatment. Time spent in an inpatient addiction treatment program ranges from 30 days to several months. It is often the most effective type of treatment but also the most expensive and is less convenient. Youth inpatient facilities do not allow individuals to leave frequently with work, school and other responsibilities being put on the back burner while in treatment.
- Outpatient addiction treatment. Outpatient treatment programs do not require a person to live on-site but do require individuals to attend several sessions each week while others may only require one session per week. The treatment may not be as intensive but is usually more flexible and affordable.
- Partial inpatient addiction treatments. Partial inpatient addiction treatment programs include a combination of both inpatient and outpatient treatment. Young adults spend several hours at an addiction treatment facility each day but are not required to reside at the facilities. Usually young adults can go to school or work in addition to attending treatment.
Teen Addiction Treatment Protocol
Treatment programs generally provide a step-by-step process for receiving treatment. The program steps are as follows:
Stage 1: Assessment: An addiction specialist will evaluate the teen and prior drug use. If teen is found to have a substance abuse problem, an individualized treatment plan will be created.
Stage 2: Detox and Withdrawal: Detoxification is when a person’s body is working to rid itself of remaining toxic substances to balance the system without drugs. Withdrawal symptoms may begin during detox and can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. Most young adults are suggested to seek help through a detox facility.
Stage 3: Psychological and Pharmacological Treatment: Young adult drug addiction treatment involves many different components. Individual behavior therapy is important as is group therapy. Other components usually include medication such as opiate replacement therapies, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, family counseling and self-help groups.
Stage 4: Aftercare: Addictions treatment is a long process that does not with completion of an initial addiction treatment program. The key to effective treatment is aftercare with a continuation of outpatient therapy and counseling but might also include:
- Transitional living
- Halfway house
- Support services to match people with social services, job placement, etc.
Hired Power offers resources for families with teens addicted to drugs or alcohol. Don’t let barriers to success get in the way of recovery. Call us to find out how we can help you navigate the journey of recovery from addiction.