The consequences of substance misuse or mental illness on teenagers are often frightening. Although they may only occur a few times, they can also last for extended periods. If you see indicators that your child is abusing drugs or alcohol or has trouble managing their emotions due to their current mental state, you must act quickly. Since many cases of drug addiction or mental illnesses can affect physical and cognitive functioning, providing medical support to the adolescent is the ideal way to deal with the situation.
It is usual for teens to experience difficulties dealing with their emotions, especially since their growth stage involves hormones and cognitive development surges. However, it gets concerning when the issues persist for longer periods. In these cases, they may need professional intervention. One example is an adolescent intensive outpatient program, which primarily aims to treat teens struggling with substance abuse and mental health problems.
Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program
Adolescents and teens aged 12-17 who struggle with substance addiction or mental health problems should seek professional help at once. They will be diagnosed and assessed to identify the most suitable treatment they need. Afterward, they shall undergo a series of therapy sessions that may be done individually or in groups.
Adolescents and teenagers can excuse their substance misuse habits for a variety of reasons. They may try to conceal their problems to avoid being diagnosed with a mental health issue. You must empathize with them and make an effort to take the steps necessary for their recovery. Treatments must be administered as soon as signs of substance abuse or mental illness are detected.
To lessen the costs for treatment, most intensive outpatient programs accept major insurance companies. This is one of the essential factors to consider when looking for centers since treatments can be quite expensive.
Common Types of Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Therapy
Treatment facilities have different approaches to adolescent intensive outpatient programs, but the most common are the following:
- Motivational interviewing, often known as behavioral enhancement, aims to help teens interact with one another and find motivation for making important life decisions.
- Contingency management is a widely used technique in group rehab or treatment programs to reward patients for their progress during therapy.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can change someone’s behaviors, thoughts, and even substance use habits. This type of psychotherapy teaches people how to notice and modify the destructive patterns that have a negative impact on their behavior and emotions. It highlights how their attitudes can affect their social relationships. CBT detects and confronts negative thoughts, then replaces them with more objective, reasonable ones.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an adjusted type of CBT. It handles impulsivity, an overabundance of emotion, and other behavioral issues. These are especially common among teens with mental health or substance abuse issues. Its goals are to teach how to live a meaningful life, develop healthy stress-coping strategies, manage emotions, and strengthen interpersonal relationships. They also teach teenagers to accept themselves and acknowledge that growth and rehabilitation are possible.
Benefits of Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Therapy
Substance usage and mental issues must be dealt with immediately to avert severe consequences as teens grow up. Scientific research on teenagers demonstrates that these concerns often lead to more serious behavioral problems later in life. Early detection and treatment are critical.
It is essential to consult a medical or mental health professional, such as your child’s doctor or guidance counselor. A therapist can assist you in evaluating the problem and determining what approaches, such as therapy sessions, are necessary. If your child needs assistance, an expert will visit you and your child to discuss treatment choices tailored to their needs and situation.
Intensive outpatient therapies allow adolescents to heal from mental health issues so they can try to get back on their feet. In simpler terms, it aims for a holistic recovery. If the problem is related to substance abuse, then the goal is to get them away from the substances that led them down this path. On the other hand, if the problem is rooted in their current mental state, counselors and therapists can help your child understand their worth and importance.
Aside from medication, your teen may require expert assistance to improve their cognitive functioning and behavior. Family counseling, DBT, and CBT are examples of behavioral treatment techniques that can help them handle adverse effects on the brain, such as depression. These treatments can also help someone quit smoking, avoid cravings, and repair broken relationships. Note that the effectiveness of these approaches is mostly dependent on the patient’s willingness to be treated.
Intensive Outpatient vs. Inpatient Therapy
Teens and adolescents with severe substance misuse or mental health issues may require extensive care. Residential or sober living homes, as well as intensive outpatient treatment programs, are readily available anywhere in the United States — even in Los Angeles. Teens may also benefit from individual and group therapy, behavioral therapies (CBT and DBT), dual diagnosis treatment, or faith-based programs to develop their physical, social, and spiritual aspects.
Both intensive outpatient and inpatient therapies aim to treat mental and behavioral problems — their only difference lies in the severity of the issue at hand. Teen Partial Hospitalization Program in Los Angeles is an example of a structured and intensive outpatient teen treatment program scheduled for eight hours per day, five days per week. On the other hand, inpatient therapy is often recommended for teens who require 24/7 monitoring from therapists and counselors.
Here’s a gentle reminder for parents. Always motivate your child and shower them with kind words during their healing process. “No man is an island,” as the saying goes. Understand that you and your teen are not alone and can always seek help from those you trust most. As they break the unhealthy cycle and move on in life, they may need to seek emotional support. You can try to get help from medical professionals, who are the best informed about the issues that your teen is dealing with.