It can be incredibly difficult to know how to navigate the world of addiction. Not only is it hard for those struggling with addiction but their families as well. Thankfully, there are several different treatment programs that are offered for adults and adolescents.
Understanding these different types of treatments and the options that are available is the key to determining what programs and rehabilitation treatments will work for you.
Treatments for Adults and Adolescents
Recognizing the different needs between adults and adolescents is critical when it comes to developing treatment plans for addiction. Adults and adolescents will need different treatment methods both inside and outside of the rehabilitation facilities.
Considering the dreams and aspirations of both adults and adolescents can help to create the best and most effective treatment plan for overcoming their addiction. As adults, most people focus on overcoming divorce or landing their dream jobs. Teenagers often deal with social pressures and struggle to get good grades. For this reason, one of the main factors in addiction treatment for adults and adolescents lies in determining each individual’s unique goals. By learning what they aspire to do, a treatment plan can be developed that is specifically tailored to help them reach their goals in sobriety.
There are many cases where teenagers struggle with mental health conditions that have not been diagnosed. Teens who struggle with mental health disorders may not be able to deal with stressful situations in a healthy manner. There are instances where these mental health conditions and struggles with addiction become more apparent as they deal with changing hormones throughout adolescence. Adults usually know about any mental health conditions that they have even if they have not undergone treatment for them.
Recognizing Substance Abuse in Adults and Adolescents
Recognizing substance abuse in adults and adolescents can be challenging. When it comes to observing your teen, it is important that you look for various signs that can help you to determine whether or not they are engaging in drug or alcohol use. Some of the most common behaviors that are exerted by adolescents who may be engaging in alcohol or drug use include:
- Significant and sudden mood changes like temper flareups, defensiveness, or irritability
- Poor attendance, low grades, or other disciplinary actions in school
- A change in their friends
- Observing physical or mental changes, such as slurring speech, memory lapses, or even poor concentration
- Having an attitude that nothing matters
- Reluctancy to have their family get to know their new friends
- Finding any substances in their room
Recognizing any of these qualities with your teenager may indicate that they have a problem that should be looked into. Speaking to your son or daughter about any potential drug or alcohol problem can help to determine if they are indeed struggling. Speaking to your teen and trying to better understand their situation can go a long way when it comes to helping them overcome their addiction.
It is important that you seek help from a youth counselor or a therapist if your loved one is struggling with addiction. Medical professionals typically diagnose addiction in adults and adolescents by using a specific set of criteria.
Since there are various levels of addiction, knowing where your loved one is as far as the severity of their struggle can help to determine what type of treatment may work best for them. Mild addiction can make a person feel as if they have to use substances in order to relax or to overcome some type of challenge. In severe addiction, people may experience problems with their relationships, an inability to work, and even mood problems.
Either way, adults and adolescents who struggle with addiction should be encouraged to undergo treatment. There are several types of treatment options available to help those who struggle to move forward and become sober.
Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab for Adults and Adolescents
There are three main options of treatment that are available to help adults and adolescents who struggle with addiction. The type of treatment that a person receives will typically be based on their circumstances. The various types of treatments are each designed to accommodate a person based on where they are in the stages of addiction.
Inpatient treatment options are most effective for individuals who are struggling severely with addiction. These individuals tend to experience addiction so severe that it interacts with their social life, their ability to go to school or work, or their ability to function throughout the day. Inpatient treatment requires a person to stay at a rehabilitation facility around-the-clock while under the observation of skilled professionals.
This type of structured facility incorporates various types of therapy, such as individual therapy, group therapy, art therapy, and even exercise. Inpatient facilities are designed to provide people with a full structure to overcome their addiction. They learn how to cope with their urges in a healthy way before they are required to reenter society.
Outpatient therapy is another option available to help people overcome their addictions. Outpatient therapy allows individuals to remain at home or in a halfway house as they receive therapy at an outpatient facility. There are various treatment levels and outpatient therapy, which allows each person to incorporate the therapy that they need into their busy schedule. Outpatient therapy is typically more flexible and allows a person to go to a rehabilitation facility for several hours each week to go through therapy.
Intensive outpatient treatment allows a person to go home in a way similar to outpatient therapy while requiring them to go through therapy for around 20 hours each week at the facility.
It is usually recommended that people who struggle with severe addiction attend an inpatient facility or an intensive outpatient facility for treatment. This treatment is more focused on helping them combat their addiction without forcing them to deal with their daily stressors.
Let Our Chattanooga, TN, Addiction Treatment Center Help
Developing the most effective treatment plan for adults and adolescents can be challenging. For this reason, it is important that you reach out to our skilled professionals at Iris Wellness Group.
Overcoming a drug or alcohol addiction can be challenging no matter what age you are. For this reason, we take a collaborative approach to determining the best course of action to help you overcome your problem and move on to live a happier and healthier life. Our team at Iris Wellness Group can verify your insurance coverage and help you get started.
