We all know that many teenagers skirt the alcohol laws and find a way to acquire liquor and drink. Many of them can find it in their parent’s liquor cabinet. That they do it with relative ease and we know about it (at least in theory) does not make it okay. Teen alcohol addiction is a severe problem in the United States, and early estimates indicate that it only worsened during the pandemic. Perhaps because the enterprise of teen drinking is always secret and the possibility of discovery hangs over them, teens often drink as much as they can as quickly as they can. Plus, teens drink to get drunk.
Teen binge drinking makes up the majority of underage alcohol abuse cases. In fact, 90% of the alcohol consumed by teen drinkers takes place during binges. If you’re wondering if an alcohol addiction treatment program is the next step for your teenaged child, you may be right.
Teenagers who drink are incredibly likely to have negative, and in many cases, permanent consequences to their brains, which are still developing. Finding a rehab facility that specializes in teen alcohol abuse is essential. Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC) offers addiction treatment programs for teens over the age of 18. If you want to learn more about what is available at PAATC, call 844.442.8673 or fill out our online form.
Causes of Teen Alcohol Addiction
Numerous paths might lead a teenager to abuse alcohol. It is difficult for most adults to remember or understand the intensity of peer influence at that age. Often that is a big piece of the “why” puzzle. Some reasons an adolescent might abuse alcohol:
- Meet social pressure and finding a place within a peer group
- To dull certain painful emotions
- Relieve social or other anxiety
- Self-medicate symptoms of an undiagnosed or untreated mental disorder
- Avoid harsh realities or disturbing family dynamics
- Mute PTSD symptoms
If you suspect that your child’s alcohol use is related to any of the above, which are risk factors for abuse and addiction, you may need to intervene by getting appropriate help.
Why Choose a Teen Alcohol Rehab?
Alcohol abuse has its own set of causes and consequences for teens. The odds of long-term success are demonstrably greater when teens receive age-appropriate alcohol addiction treatment.
Teen-focused rehab will prioritize the following:
Age-Appropriate Rehab
The most notable benefit of teen rehab is that your teen’s treatment is appropriate for their age and time of life. As teens are entering the “real world,” they’re facing new and frightening challenges, ones that a young adult treatment program may not address. Our team offers age-appropriate programs for each patient over the age of 18.y.
Family
Family involvement is doubly critical for teens in treatment. Treatment seeks to improve relationships and foster open communication. Consistent family participation, as outlined by the rehab facility, will improve outcomes for your child.
Dealing with Non-Compliance
Often it can be difficult to convince teens to seek rehab. Buy-in prior to enrolling is always best, but in a teen rehab facility, the staff understands issues of non-compliance and creates programs and systems that motivate teens to engage.
Get Teen Alcohol Addiction Treatment at PAATC
There are people in your child’s life who can help you make sense of what your family is facing. Seek advice from people you have faith in and who know your teenager. Examples of helpful advisors:
- A family doctor or pediatrician
- Pastor
- Trusted teacher
- A family friend with behavioral health or substance abuse counseling background
- A family friend who is in recovery
You can also reach out to us at PAATC. We can be part of your village. Let us give you information about treatment for teen alcohol abuse, and maybe you’ll decide we are the best to provide that treatment. Regardless, we are here. Let us know how we can help. Call us at 844.442.8673 or fill out our online form to learn more about our decades of experience treating addictions with evidence-based therapies and lots of compassion and support.
