Think addiction is a problem only adults struggle with? Think again. Recent reports show that 1 in 8 teenagers abused an illicit substance last year. And if your teen is abusing drugs and alcohol, we know that admitting them to an addiction treatment center is a crucial decision that can change their life forever.
It might feel stressful and confusing, especially if you’re unsure what to look for. There are so many inpatient addiction treatment centers out there. How can you tell which one is the best fit for your teenager? Luckily, there are certain things you can keep an eye out for that will help you narrow down your choices and make a decision.
As a well-respected treatment center in Georgia, we have experience helping teens. But we also know how to guide families through this challenging time. So, follow along as we share 11 helpful tips on how to pick the perfect inpatient addiction treatment center for your teen.
We’ll review everything you need to know, from ensuring the center has proper accreditation and licensing to learning about the specific therapies they offer. We know that picking a treatment center for your teenager might seem tough, but we hope these tips will make the process easier for you.
What Are Inpatient Addiction Treatment Centers?
Inpatient addiction treatment centers are also known as residential treatment centers. They offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs for individuals struggling with substance abuse. These centers provide patients with a safe and secure environment to recover from their addiction.
Different types of treatment programs cater to each patient’s unique needs. However, detoxification is often the first step in an inpatient addiction treatment program. Patients undergo a medically supervised detox process to rid their bodies of harmful substances.
After detox, patients undergo various types of therapy. This might include individual therapy, group therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. These all help address the root cause of their addiction and teach healthy coping strategies.
The philosophy of inpatient addiction treatment centers is to provide a holistic approach to addiction recovery. The goal is to heal the mind, body, and soul. In addition to therapy, patients receive healthy meals, exercise, and other complementary therapies. Over time, this leads to improved overall well-being.
Benefits of Inpatient Treatment for Teens
Is inpatient treatment right for your teen? It depends on their level of addiction and a few other factors. However, inpatient treatment provides a safe and structured environment where your teen can receive around-the-clock care. They’ll get 24/7 support from trained professionals.
Inpatient treatment also allows teens to focus on their recovery without the distractions of everyday life. This level of separation can be beneficial in helping teens break free from negative influences. It removes triggers that can lead to relapse.
Additionally, inpatient treatment provides many therapies and activities that can aid recovery. From individual and group therapy to art and music therapy, teens can explore different avenues to express themselves and discover healthy coping mechanisms.
At the end of the day, choosing an inpatient addiction treatment center for your teen can be a life-changing decision. It can provide your child with the necessary tools and support to overcome addiction and lead a fulfilling life in sobriety.
How to Choose the Right Inpatient Addiction Treatment Center
Inpatient addiction treatment is effective. However, choosing the right inpatient addiction treatment center is crucial to long-term recovery. If you’re unsure where to start, here are 11 tips to help you find the best place for them to receive the help they need and deserve.
1. Treatment Specialties
One of the essential factors to keep in mind is the center’s services and treatment offerings. Treatment specialties refer to the approaches and methods used in addiction treatment. This usually includes behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and holistic care.
Why is this important? Understanding different treatment specialties can help determine which center aligns with your needs and preferences.
For instance, let’s say you prefer a holistic approach to treatment for your teen. Look for centers that offer yoga, meditation, and other complementary therapies. Likewise, if your child requires medication, you can search for centers specializing in medication-assisted treatment.
2. Approach to Therapy
Every center has its unique way of addressing addiction. Unfortunately, addiction doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. For example, most inpatient treatment centers use approaches like:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy
- Interpersonal Therapy
Each type of therapy can impact the effectiveness of addiction treatments. Without understanding the approach to therapy, your teen might end up getting care that doesn’t fit their needs. This can lead to an ineffective treatment outcome.
3. Licensed Mental Health Professionals
The facilities that provide the best quality care have a licensed mental health professional on their team. If they don’t, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
These professionals have obtained a Master’s or Doctorate in their field of expertise. They’ve also undergone extensive training in treating addiction and mental health disorders. They have the knowledge and skill set to diagnose and treat underlying mental health issues that may contribute to addiction.
Additionally, they can facilitate individual and group therapy sessions. These equip patients with the tools necessary to prevent relapse. Our point here? Choosing a facility without licensed mental health professionals present can result in ineffective treatment and possibly worsen the condition.
4. Facilities
Inpatient treatment means your teen will stay at the facilities overnight for an extended period. So, pay attention to how those facilities look and feel. You want them to feel comfortable and at home, not scared or stressed during their stay.
However, comfort isn’t just about the physical appearance of the facility. Also, consider the amenities and services offered. A well-equipped center with good food, exercise, and recreational facilities can boost morale and ease recovery.
Additionally, the structural design of the facility and the location can impact any patient’s experience. For instance, a quiet and serene environment can reduce stress and anxiety levels. Security is another aspect you’ll want to consider; don’t send your teen somewhere unsafe.
5. Education Programs
Does the facility offer educational programs alongside treatment? Do they take a psychoeducational approach to recovery? Consider factors like these when choosing a treatment center.
Education programs are an essential component of inpatient addiction treatment centers. They help teens make informed decisions and develop crucial coping skills. Through educational sessions, your child can learn about the following:
- Addiction
- The effects of drugs and alcohol on the body
- Ways to avoid relapse
Education on drug and alcohol abuse, triggers, and coping mechanisms can help teens better understand their addiction. That’s key in improving their chances of long-term recovery.
Furthermore, educational programs can help patients gain vocational skills. This gives them a better chance of gaining employment and reintegrating into society post-treatment. You want them to have the tools and knowledge needed to make healthy choices and build a fulfilling life in recovery.
6. Family Involvement
Studies have shown that involving the family in treatment improves results. So, a good treatment program should include family members in therapy sessions to increase the likelihood of long-lasting recovery. This is especially helpful with children or teens.
When family members participate, it helps the person going through treatment stay committed to the process. They’ll also benefit from emotional support, making the entire family stronger.
Moreover, when family members participate in the treatment process, it becomes more effective. They can address deeper issues that might cause your child to go back to using substances in the future.
By having family members be a part of the treatment, the center can also teach you valuable information and skills you can use to help your teen as they work towards overcoming their addiction. This way, the whole family can come together and support each other during the challenging journey to recovery.
7. Therapeutic Activities
Many of the activities in these programs are based on well-researched and scientific methods. They don’t just offer activities for fun. Although, that’s important too. However, most offer activities such as:
- Physical exercise
- Meditation
- One-on-one and group counseling sessions
The main goal of these programs is to help people figure out the deeper issues that play a role in their addiction. Then, the goal is to teach them effective ways to handle these problems. Yes, this applies to younger teens, too.
By participating in therapeutic activities, teens can learn and practice new skills that will help break the cycle of addiction. These new skills can also help them deal with triggers and cravings that might make them want to return to using. This, in turn, helps prevent them from relapsing.
Involvement in these activities is important. So consider the types of activities a treatment center offers. Will your child like them? Will they be able to participate in them? If not, consider alternatives.
8. Location
When looking for the perfect inpatient addiction treatment center for your teen, location plays a huge role.
First, it’s important to choose a center close to home. You want family members to be able to visit and provide support during the recovery process. Additionally, being in a familiar environment can make transitioning into treatment easier for your teen.
On the other hand, choosing a center far from home can provide a fresh start and a new perspective. However, don’t send them too far from home. Research the location and surrounding areas to ensure a safe and secure environment for your teen’s recovery.
Weigh the pros and cons of both options and choose a location that will best support your teen’s journey toward sobriety. One thing’s for sure, though. It’s hard to focus on your mental health in a stressful environment. If you can, opt for a treatment center located in nature.
9. Insurance Alliances
We’ll get to the cost of treatment in just a second. However, did you know that most insurance providers cover addiction treatment? Check with your insurance provider first and ask the following questions:
- What specific services does the insurance plan cover?
- Are there co-pays or deductibles?
- Is pre-authorization required for treatment?
- What happens if my insurance plan doesn’t cover the entire cost of treatment?
Take the time to review your insurance policy carefully. Compare it with the treatment center’s policies. Remember, a little research can go a long way in making the best decision. Most centers are also willing to work with you by providing payment plans.
10. Treatment Cost
Cost should be a top consideration when searching for an inpatient addiction treatment center for your teen. It’s important to factor in the immediate cost and the long-term savings from investing in a reputable treatment program.
Inpatient treatment is often more expensive than outpatient treatment but can provide better care. Consider if the center accepts insurance and offers payment plans or financial assistance programs. You should also research the success rates of the center and compare that to the cost.
Remember, the investment in your teen’s future is priceless. Finding the right center that fits within your budget is achievable.
11. Aftercare Support
Finally, choosing a treatment center with strong aftercare support is crucial for recovering teens struggling with addiction. What does this mean? Is it just a phone call follow-up after the program? Nope. It’s so much more than that.
Aftercare support is the ongoing assistance and resources provided to individuals after completing their rehabilitation program. This can include:
- Support groups
- Therapy sessions
- Various resources to help maintain sobriety
Ultimately, aftercare support can greatly impact the chances of long-term recovery success. Facilities with comprehensive aftercare programs can provide a safety net for teens who may struggle with triggers or relapse once they leave the structured environment of the treatment center.
Addiction Treatment for Teens
We know you have a lot of options for inpatient addiction treatment centers. However, choosing Eagle Overlook could make all the difference. As a state-licensed and accredited residential program, we offer a variety of treatments for both addiction and mental health concerns.
Our 90-day program includes medical and psychiatric care, group and individual counseling, psycho-education, peer support, and plenty of outdoor activities to keep your teen engaged. We the program to your teen’s needs. The goal? Ensure they receive the best possible care.
Don’t let addiction control your teen’s life any longer. Consider Eagle Overlook Recovery for Adolescents and give your teen a chance to live a happier, healthier life.
Contact us today to start the admissions process.