Teen drug rehabilitation centers

Statistics have shown that nearly 50% of all American high schoolers will try marijuana before they are done with their high school years.  Even minor experimentation can lead to deteriorating school and athletic performance.  And for those who continue past the experimentation phase and into addiction, the downward spiral they are riding will affect themselves and every one around them detrimentally.  Marijuana has long been known as the gateway drug and it certainly hasn't done anything to dispute that title.  One statistic from 2002 stated that over 250,000 individuals entering a drug rehabilitation center stated that their primary drug to abuse was marijuana. 

With families living such hectic lives, it can be very difficult to identify a drug problem in your youth.  There are a few things you should be aware of to help you determine if your child is on the verge of a serious addiction. If a young member of your family suddenly starts behaving in an aberrant manner or tries to keep aloof from other family members, you have some reasons to be suspicious. Physical signs like red eyes, nagging cough, and changes in eating and sleeping habits should also serve as warning signals.

Other signs to be aware in drug using teenagers include irritability, insomnia, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, violent behavior, memory loss, learning problems, increased heart rate, lethargy, panic attacks, symptoms of chronic bronchitis, daily coughs and phlegm, more frequent chest colds, muscle tension, teeth clenching, dehydration, hypothermia, brain damage, and death.

While most drug treatment centers are designed for heavier drugs, there are a few that are tailored specifically for users of marijuana.  A rehabilitation center for teens will usually focus on group therapy and one-on-one counseling.  The number one goal of a drug rehabilitation center is to have the admitted youth leave the facility totally freed from drugs.  They help the person become productive and overcome the health effects of the drug as well as the withdrawal symptoms. Teenagers are unique in that they are undergoing physical and mental changes constantly. Many teenagers may also have legal issues and may have a compulsory drug rehab program. Relationships with family, peers and the community are very important. As with other rehab programs a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation is performed. Periodic monitoring of progress is made and as some programs state the goal of rehab right from the first day is planning for the return home.

Some teen rehab programs have the residents perform chores but it appears that this is not favored or supported by research. Family involvement in the rehabilitation process is crucial and programs have methods to ensure this occurs. Sports, yoga, acupuncture, religion and spiritual programs are components of these programs. Some programs have music therapy and even animal therapy. Academic assistance through on site tutors as well as coordination with the teenager's school is a very important part of programs.

Often declining grades are a symptom of drug use and attention to this aspect sometimes ensures that once discharged some students perform even better than their peers. Parents often have mental health issues related to their teenager's drug habit and attention to this will help the teenager in the long term.