It’s not always easy knowing how to help a teenager with a substance use disorder. The overload of complicated information becomes even worse when you’re trying to help a loved one suffering.
This guide carries everything you could want to know about treating substance use disorders and how you can find someone the resources they need. If you have any additional questions, please contact us at (877) 349-6720.
Levels of Care
There are various levels of care to consider when seeking support for your teen. Certain substances indicate more immediate cause for concern and potential need for a higher level of care due to the increased risk of overdose and withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, teens struggling with co-occurring disorders may require a higher level of care. Call Evolve’s admissions team today to schedule a free phone assessment to help determine what level of care would be the best fit for your teen.
Understanding Addiction Detox From Drugs and Alcohol
Detox
Detoxification refers to the process of allowing substances and related toxins to clear the body so a teen diagnosed with an alcohol or substance use disorder can begin treatment with no drugs or alcohol in their system. In some cases, detox must be medically monitored, and in others, detox must be both medically monitored and medication-assisted. If a professional assessment indicates a medical detox is a necessary first step before treatment begins – typically in cases involving opioid, benzodiazepine, or alcohol addiction – then it’s critical to select a program that offers medical detox in an appropriate setting with qualified staff. That’s the first step before participation in any program we describe below. During medically monitored and medication-assisted detox, medical staff are on-hand to address any emergencies that may occur, and to ensure the administration of appropriate medication to mitigate the physical symptoms of withdrawal.
Residential (RTC) – 24/7 Support & Supervision
This level of treatment is appropriate for teens with mental health or substance use issues that are so severe they need 24/7 support and monitoring. Teens who attend an adolescent residential treatment center do not live at home and need an immersive level of care to manage their mental health or substance use issues.
In a residential program, teens receive more intensive therapy and psychiatric care than in IOP or PHP programs. These teens need time away from their current environment to concentrate on recovery and healing. Residential treatment allows for more time for one-on-one therapy, family therapy, and group therapy and peer support. Teens learn and practice coping skills, distress tolerance techniques, and relapse prevention strategies. They have time to practice what they learn and hone their skills with feedback from therapists, counselors, and peers. This prepares them for success when they finish treatment or step down to a less immersive level of care.
The length of stay in a residential treatment program – typically 30-60 days – is often covered by insurance plans that include behavioral health benefits.
When Is RTC Necessary?
Residential Treatment may be necessary in the following situations:
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) Outpatient Rehab – Full Day Program
PHP supports adolescents 12-17 years old who need significant clinical support to maintain stability, but do not require 24/7 supervision. Teens at this level of care are able to live at home but often struggle to engage in academic/social/family opportunities due to the severity of their substance use, mental health, or behavioral issues.
A partial hospitalization program is a great way to transition home from higher levels of care such as hospitalization or residential, as a way to reconnect with the community while continuing to receive intensive therapeutic support and full days of supervision. These programs also benefit those who require more structure and support than provided in weekly outpatient therapy or intensive outpatient rehab treatment.
When Is PHP Necessary?
Partial Hospitalization may be necessary in the following situations:
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) vs. Inpatient Rehab – After School Program
Evolve Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) support adolescents 12-17 years old who need clinical support to maintain stability, but do not require 24/7 supervision. The IOP level of care, also referred to as an “after school program,” includes 3 hours of programming, four days a week. IOP for teens is often an ideal approach for those who can reasonably maintain day-to-day activities but need more support than weekly counseling sessions with an outpatient individual therapist. Teens at this level of care are able to live at home and attend school but need extra support for their mental health, substance use, and behavioral issues.
An intensive outpatient program is a great way to transition from higher levels of care such as inpatient drug rehabs, residential or PHP as a way to reconnect with the community while continuing to receive intensive therapeutic support and half days of supervision. These programs also benefit those who require more structure and support than provided in weekly outpatient therapy or intensive outpatient treatment.
When Is IOP Necessary?
Intensive Outpatient Program may be necessary in the following situations if a teen:
Outpatient
In outpatient treatment, parents take teens to an office visit once or twice a week. This is a typical entry level of treatment for a teen who needs help with psychological or emotional issues, but whose issues do not significantly disrupt their ability to function in school and do not significantly impair their family or peer relationships.
Contact our Admissions team to determine what level of care would be the best fit for your teen.
Treatment Approaches
No matter what level of care, it’s essential to choose a provider or facility that aligns with your values and meets your teen’s specific needs. Recovery is not a one-size-fits- all process, so finding an approach that works best for your teen is key. Evidence-based treatment approaches are particularly effective, as they rely on scientific research to support the best possible outcomes.
Learn more about evidence-based approaches for treating substance use:
Mutual Support Groups:
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training, and it’s a modern, science-based program designed to help people break free from addictive behaviors. Unlike other traditional approaches, SMART Recovery takes a flexible approach to recovery empowering individuals to take control of their lives, set their own goals, and work toward them in a way that makes sense for them.
The program is rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which means it’s about understanding the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. By learning how to manage these, teens can make better choices, cope with challenges, and ultimately, reduce the harmful behaviors that have been holding them back.
12 Step Groups
One of the most well-known mutual support options for substance use and addictive behaviors (i.e AA/NA). 12 step programs believe addiction is a lifelong disease that can be managed with the support of a sponsor and working through the 12 steps. Due to its emphasis on building community and meeting flexibility, 12 step is a popular mutual support option.
Support For Caregivers and Loved Ones
Parents of teens struggling with addiction often face overwhelming stress, guilt, and uncertainty, making support groups invaluable. Both SMART Recovery and 12 Step programs have groups dedicated to supporting friends and family members of individuals struggling with addiction. These groups provide a safe, judgment-free space where loved ones can share their experiences, learn practical coping skills, and psychoeducation about addiction and recovery. They offer varying approaches on how to improve relationships with loved ones who are using substances. It also helps participants remember and learn how to maintain ones own well-being and practice self-care while supporting their loved one. These groups foster a sense of community, reduce isolation, and empower participants to navigate challenges with greater resilience and hope.
Check out these friends and family support groups:
Evolve’s Parent Support Group
You can also check out Evolve’s free weekly parent support group. We offer a free weekly virtual support group for parents of teens. This group is a safe space for parents and caregivers to connect, share resources, and talk through the struggles of balancing child care, work responsibilities, and self-care. During this weekly group, parents and caregivers of teens can gain practical guidance and emotional support.
Clinical Approach at Evolve’s Substance Use Treatment Programs For Teens
Evolve’s therapeutic approach is evidence-based and behavioral. In our standard clinical model, we provide psychiatry, a strong DBT skills-training component, along with other evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and others. To support teens with a history of substance use, we also incorporate groups such as, SMART Recovery, Seeking Safety, Relapse Prevention, and others. The combination of therapeutic approaches in each treatment plan depends on the adolescent’s specific needs in treatment.
Our therapeutic approaches include:
