When addiction strikes during adolescence, the risks of severe or long-term health consequences increase. Many teens in the United States self-report binge drinking and drug use. Furthermore, most adolescents with substance use disorders also meet the criteria for a psychiatric disorder. These co-occurring disorders make it essential to seek mental health intervention by professionals who know how to provide dual diagnosis treatment. A cognitive-behavioral therapy program offers a proven treatment modality for teens with co-occurring symptoms.
To learn more about cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other treatments that might benefit your teen, reach out to Pennsylvania Teen & Adult Challenge (PAATC). We proudly offer outpatient drug and alcohol treatment for teens at our Naaman Center locations. In addition, if addiction is the primary diagnosis and a mental health issue is secondary, we can provide dual diagnosis treatment. We will gladly answer any of your questions about what is available to you and your family. Call us at 844.442.8673 or fill out our online form.
Risk Factors for Teens and Addiction
If you are questioning whether a teenager’s substance use is mere adolescent experimentation or if it could be abuse or addiction, consider the following common risk factors.
Individual Risk Factors
Genetic factors and temperament, a history of trauma, or mental health symptoms or disorders can affect a young person’s predisposition toward a substance use disorder.
Family Risk Factors
Parent/teen relationships are often complicated, but a particularly volatile dynamic can increase the risk of substance abuse. General family dysfunction, sibling or parental substance use/abuse, and the presence of family members with psychiatric diagnoses are strong factors as well. Finally, lack of parental presence and an attitude of permissiveness within the family regarding teen drug or alcohol use can influence the risk of addiction.
Community Risk Factors
It’s important not to minimize the effects of peer influence. If a teen is involved with drug-using friends and experiencing peer pressure or bullying, risks go up. In addition, easy access to alcohol or drugs and the influence of the media. Furthermore, a history of poverty, exposure to environmental danger or community violence, lack of social supports, and other factors can put a teen at greater risk of substance abuse and addiction.
4 Benefits of a Teen Therapist
Finding a teen therapist is advisable if you know someone under 21 who has a substance use disorder. Four benefits of specialized treatment are as follows:
- Psychosocial interventions work well with teens: There is solid data to support that behavioral therapy is effective for teens dealing with addiction, with or without co-occurring disorders. In a reputable rehab program, evidence-based treatments will be the foundation of your teen’s individualized plan. Our therapeutic modalities are highly effective with adolescents.
- Reducing barriers: Teens have their own way of communicating, understanding the world, and thinking about life. Therapists who specialize in treating teens can more quickly get buy-in and engagement from a teenager. As a result, treatment is much more effective.
- Family participation: When parents and other family members have a role in the therapy landscape, outcomes improve. Therefore, therapy explicitly geared towards teens will include family in appropriate and beneficial ways.
- Dual diagnosis treatment: During the intake and assessment stage at the beginning of any program, we will evaluate your teen for co-occurring mental health disorders.
Finding the right mental health treatment for your teen will empower them to get on the road to recovery.
Learn More at Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge
If you are looking for substance use rehab for your teen that provides evidence-based mental health treatment, PAATC can help. Reach out to professionals who know the teen therapy landscape intimately. PAATC can help you sort through your questions and give you information about our outpatient treatment programs so you can make an informed decision. We also offer compassion and professional care in equal measure. Call 844.442.8673 or fill out our online form. We are here to help.
