As parents, we want to protect our children. When they show signs of hurting, we go to extremes to provide the love and support they need to get better. Sometimes the hurting goes deeper, though, and parents decide they need professional help. In that case, you may well consider an adolescent addiction treatment center.
Adolescent treatment programs provide counseling and medical support to struggling young people. They are especially important in cases where youngsters pose a risk of harm to themselves or to others. The treatment programs come in many forms, with some offering specialized in-patient facilities and others working on an outpatient basis.
At a time when the number of teens reporting struggles with mental health is growing, an adolescent treatment program can provide care for your child and your entire family. Let’s look at what these programs are about and how they can help.
What is an Adolescent Treatment Program?
An adolescent substance abuse treatment program aims at supporting boys and girls under the age of 18 who may be struggling with substance abuse, mental health challenges, or both.
A typical residential center will provide various types of care. This includes:
- A thorough assessment of your child and his or her needs
- A clearly designed treatment plan
- Individual, group or specialized therapy
- Access to psychiatric care
- Support for the whole family.
These programs are staffed by professionals of various disciplines who have specially trained in the concerns of youth.
Does My Child Need Treatment?
Parenting doesn’t come with a manual. We often react and respond on instinct. But how do you know when its time to consider an adolescent treatment program?
The chances are good that your instincts will answer that. But sometimes we want to be sure. And so, mental health professionals say you should look out for these warning signs:
- Mood swings
- Intense emotional moments with no trigger
- Problems retaining focus
- Weight loss
- Deliberate harming oneself
- Secretiveness
- Visual clues that suggest substance abuse
Choosing the Right Adolescent Treatment Program
Seeking help for your child is a brave step. It can be scary, too, because you’re trusting the most important thing in your life to the care of others.
Recognizing this, leading treatment centers came together a few years ago around a set of criteria for parents to consider. A treatment center should:
- Offer an ongoing relationship with your child after treatment ends
- Disordered eating treatment
- Teen therapy services
- Provide support programs for family
- Gaming addiction treatment
- Separate genders
- Teen alcohol abuse treatment
At the same time, it’s also smart to stay alert to the warning signs. Parents should not choose a facility that:
- Has a disciplinary record with state regulators
- Has out of date licenses
- Cannot offer or explain safety procedures
- Are the focus of negative online chatter.
The most important piece of advice: Take your time. Get all the information you need and don’t rush into a decision.
If you’re ready to get your child the treatment they need, find an adolescent addiction treatment program that offers the tools to help your teen overcome addiction.