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Does Your Teenager Need Substance Recovery?

It’s no secret that mental illness is on the rise in teenagers. In fact, one in five teens suffers from a mental health disorder, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. And with the stresses of school, social media, and other pressures, that number is only increasing. That’s why it’s so important for teens to have access to quality mental health care. One type of care that can be extremely helpful for teenagers is partial hospitalization. Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) provide intensive mental health treatment during the day, but allow patients to return home at night. This allows teens to receive the care they need while still being able to attend school and participate in other activities. PHPs can be very effective in treating serious mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and others. 

 

In fact, research has shown that PHP treatment can reduce psychiatric hospitalizations by 70%. If you’re a teen or parent of a teen who is struggling with mental illness, Partial Hospitalization may be an option worth considering.  If you are a parent or caregiver of a teen with a condition, there are many ways you can help your child cope with the disorder. It is important to seek professional help if you think your teen may be suffering from mental health or substance abuse.  There are also many support groups and online resources available to help families dealing with teenagers who need help.

Prescription Drugs Most Likely Lead Teenagers To Addiction

While most prescription drugs are supposed to help, they can be easily abused. In fact, these drugs are some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs by teenagers. Why? Because they are easily accessible and thought to be safe. But when abused, they can lead to addiction and serious health problems. Other commonly abused prescription drugs include painkillers 

  • OxyContin 

  • Vicodin. 

  • Benzos such as Valium and Xanax

  • ADHD Drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin

  • Sleep Medication such as Trazodone Vs. Ambien

These drugs are often prescribed for injuries or chronic pain, but they can be extremely addictive. Teenagers may abuse them to get high or to self-medicate other issues like anxiety or depression. If your teenager is abusing any type of prescription drug, it’s important to get them help right away. Addiction is a serious disease that can have devastating consequences. But with treatment, your teenager can recover and live a healthy, happy life.

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Risks Factors

Substance abuse is a big problem for teenagers. It can lead to serious health problems, and even death. There are a number of risks associated with substance abuse in teenagers. These include Health Risks such as:

  • Liver damage
  • Heart disease
  • Cancer
  • Stroke

It can also cause mental health problems, such as 

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Accidental Injury or Death

Substance abuse can lead to accidents, including

  • Car accidents
  • Falls
  • Drowning. 
  • Overdose, which can be fatal

Violence & Crime Substance Abuse is often linked to crime, either as a result of committing criminal acts to get money to buy drugs, or because people are under the influence of drugs when they commit crimes. Substance abuse is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences for teenagers. If you suspect that your teen is using drugs, it is important to get help right away. There are many resources available to help teens overcome substance abuse and get on the path to a healthy and successful future.

Signs of Addiction In Adolescents

There are many signs of addiction in adolescents. Some of the most common include:

  • Increased secrecy and deception
  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
  • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
  • Drop in grades or skipping school 
  • Engaging in risky behaviors 

If you notice any of these signs in your teen, it’s important to reach out for help. Addiction is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences. But with treatment, recovery is possible.

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Family Encouragement

Being admitted to a hospital is an emotional and difficult situation, made even more so if you’re a teenager. Exciting new research is looking into the cause of mental health problems in teens, with some promising aims for those who need it most. What’s the difference between depression and anxiety? What causes either condition to occur? How can teen friends and family be supportive? All these questions and more will be answered.

The decision to bring a teen to the hospital isn’t something that should be taken lightly. There are many factors that contribute to the decision, such as how sick or injured they are, the need for round-the-clock care and supervision, and whether you’ve exhausted all the options in the outpatient arena. Once you’ve decided to send them to the hospital, it’s important to work with hospital staff so they can create a treatment plan that meets your teen’s needs.  It’s important to stay positive when teens are hospitalized. Keep talking to them and being involved in their care to make the process a little easier on both of you.

You may be wondering as a parent or guardian of a teenager who is experiencing mental health problems, “how can I support them in their treatment?”  As well as what role you can play in their recovery. It is possible for you to help your adolescent get back on track with a program known as Adolescent PHP.  As difficult as it can be to see your child struggle, it’s important to remember that they are not alone, and that you will be there to support them. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, 1 in 5 adolescents experiences a mental health disorder.  Family participation is an important part of adolescent PHP. While your teen will be receiving professional help during treatment, they will also need support from home. As a parent or guardian, you can provide this support by

  • Encouraging them to follow through with Treatment Plan
  • Engaging with positive reinforcement for positive outcomes
  • Supporting your teen to by helping them attend all appointments and activities
  • Giving them a non-judgmental ear when they want to talk

Treatment Options for Prescription Drug Addiction with Solace

At Virtual Treatment Center, our focus is on treating the patient with a whole-body approach. A partial hospitalization program is the highest level of care at Virtual.  Six days a week group sessions, one-on-ones with your own therapist and your own case manager.  Treatment begins with an assessment to discover individual needs and mental health issues that may be present in addition to prescription drug addiction.

I Need Help, But Don’t Know Where To Start

Generally, the first step to seeking help is accepting that you may need some help.  So good job, you are here.  There are a variety of different Treatments available for OCD, it depends on the individual to determine which one would benefit them the most.  Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is one of the most common OCD treatments.  This treatment involves gradually exposing the person to their feared situation or object, without them engaging in their usual compulsive behaviors.  Over time, this can help to reduce the fear and anxiety associated with the situation or object.  Another is Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another common OCD treatment.  This treatment focuses on helping the person to change their thinking patterns and beliefs about their OCD.  This can help to reduce the anxiety and distress associated with the condition.  Medication is also sometimes used as a treatment for OCD.  Commonly prescribed medications include serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which can help to reduce the symptoms of OCD.  There are many more ways to find treatment, let’s get you started on your journey to recovery.