Drug Programs in California for Teens

Teenagers, as a group, are particularly vulnerable to drug and alcohol addiction. The combination of peer pressure with all the social and psychological issues that surround adolescence creates a “perfect storm” that leads to substance abuse as a means of both entertainment and escape.

For some, drug use is a social thing, and does not develop into a serious addiction. For far too many, however, the euphoria and release from stress are dangerously attractive. Adolescence is a time of great stress and personal pain, and it’s little wonder that the escape provided by drugs is so often sought.

More and more teenagers are using illegal drugs, and using at an earlier age. In recent years, there has been a particular emphasis on “party drugs” used at raves, such as ecstasy, ketamine and rohypnol. Marijuana use is widespread, and heavier drugs such as cocaine and even heroin are being used by people as young as twelve.

Because of the very specific stresses and issues that accompany adolescence, specialized drug programs in California devoted to treating teens have become common. Residential treatment serves to remove the teen from his or her usual environment, thus limiting the accessibility of drugs and removing the influence of other users.

Wilderness Drug Programs in California

Wilderness drug programs in California offer a specialized form of treatment that has been found to be particularly useful for adolescents. After any necessary detox procedures, teens go out into wilderness areas in small groups, accompanied by one or more counselors. By learning to fend for themselves, clients develop a wide range of life skills that will help them resist the lure of drugs. They learn to rely on themselves and their own judgment, and they also learn how to use teamwork and trust others. Wilderness programs have a high rate of success, and can offer a life-changing experience to the young drug user.

Find a Specialized Drug Treatment Center

Marijuana has a far different effect on the body than amphetamines. Prescription drug abuse takes a different toll than use of cocaine. Every type of drug has its own set of symptoms and effects, so the treatment for each type of drug must differ as well. It is highly recommended that those seeking help for their addiction choose a drug treatment center that specializes in treating that particular drug’s effects.

Crystal meth, for instance, is one of the most difficult addictions to beat. Those who use it tend to use it far more frequently than those who use other drugs. It also stays in the body for a much longer time. Even a fairly casual user is likely to need six to eight months to effect a recovery. Those who use more frequently, as so many meth addicts do, can take a full year.

People who are addicted to prescription drugs often got addicted when they used painkillers for a legitimate purpose. For these clients, learning pain management techniques is one of the most important aspects of recovery. Other types of drugs have a stronger psychological basis for addiction, and require a different approach. Many people also have addictions to more than one substance. This is especially true of those who use marijuana. In such cases, you should look for a drug treatment center that has a specialized focus on dual diagnoses.

Find an Appropriate Drug Treatment Center

At SoberRecovery.com, we maintain a list of reputable drug treatment centers for you to use as a resource. We have also provided a set of filters to help you narrow your choices. Use the filter “Programs by Drug” to help you find the best facility to treat your particular addiction.

You Can Find Affordable Drug Treatment

A lot of people claim they can’t afford to get drug treatment, but that’s just an excuse. These same people can find the money they need to get drugs. However, if you are truly concerned about the cost of rehab, be assured that you can get affordable drug treatment.

Your first approach should be to investigate not-for-profit and publicly funded options. Most communities have at least one such facility, and larger cities may have many. If your addiction is controlled enough that you don’t need detox and can manage your recovery without needing a residential program, outpatient clinics are highly affordable, or even free. Narcotics Anonymous is entirely free of charge, and you can find meetings almost anywhere. Just look in your local phone book or call social services to get a listing of these programs.

If you do need detox, that must be medically monitored. Your local hospital might be a good resource for you, especially if you have health insurance or Medicaid/Medicare. Health insurance might pay for private residential treatment as well. Check your policy if you are lucky enough to be insured.

If you need residential care and you have no insurance to cover the cost, many private facilities will work with you to provide affordable drug treatment. They may be able to set you up with a payment plan that you can manage, or charge you on a sliding scale, or both.

Find Affordable Drug Treatment in Your Area

With money as an issue, you probably don’t want to have to travel far to find affordable drug treatment. You can use the filters on our list of resources to find a treatment center near you. All facilities listed on our site are fully reputable treatment centers.

If you need drug treatment, don’t let the cost stop you. Just think of the much greater cost of continuing your addiction.

How to Get Drug Treatment for Teens

Adolescence is arguably the most difficult time in a person’s life. Teens struggle to establish their own identities, form romantic relationships, understand their changing bodies, redefine their role in the family and form plans for the future. It’s a big load to carry, and unfortunately, many turn to drugs for help. If a young person you love has been having difficulties because of drug use, and refuses to admit that there is a problem or to take steps to resolve it, you may need to push the issue into the open.

A drug intervention is a meeting between the addict and his or her loved ones, facilitated by a moderator who is trained in intervention techniques. An intervention is not a pleasant experience for anyone concerned, but at times it is a necessary step. Generally, the interventionist will meet with the addict’s friends and family beforehand, to explain the process and help them understand their role in it. The goal is not to shame or humiliate the person using drugs, but to get that person to understand the need for drug treatment. When the addict is a teenager, it’s important to include some of his or her peers in the intervention.

Drug Treatment Facilities for Teens

There are a great many drug treatment facilities and programs that are specifically designed to help adolescent users. A very popular approach is the wilderness model, where teens learn to trust themselves and others by coping with the challenges of nature. There are also many residential treatment centers for those who need support over a longer time period. These facilities allow the teen to continue with his or her schooling while learning to live without drugs. Other programs use the twelve-step AA model, adapted for adolescents.

If a young person you care about has a serious drug problem, it’s time to act. Use our resources to find the help you need so that you can get that teenager the help he or she needs.

Drug Abuse Treatment Centers for Crystal Meth Addicts

Crystal meth abuse is on the rise all across the United States. This is particularly bad news because crystal meth is one of the most powerfully addictive drugs there can be. A person can become addicted after only one use. Unlike opiates, cocaine and other drugs, meth addiction does not actually have a physical component. That is, the body doesn’t crave the drug or build up tolerance to it—the mind does. Crystal meth creates an obsession so powerful that it is practically impossible to treat outside of a residential drug abuse treatment center.

Although the addiction itself is not defined as physical, the toll meth takes on your body is horrific. Crystal meth addiction can severely damage your central nervous system and your brain’s chemical balance, often leading to a dual diagnosis of drug addiction and mental illness.

Get the Help You Need at Drug Treatment Centers in the US

As crystal meth addiction spreads across the nation, drug abuse treatment centers that specialize in treating this addiction spring up in its wake. The first step in freeing yourself from this addiction is to undergo a medically monitored detox process. Medication is required not for physical symptoms so much as psychological effects of withdrawal, which can be devastating.

Because the effects of methamphetamines are evidenced in your thought processes rather than in your physical well-being, the detox process won’t move you as far toward recovery as it might when other drugs are the problem. Recovery from meth abuse is a slow process, and will require your diligence for a long time. Once you leave a residential treatment center, it is highly recommended that you continue treatment as an outpatient.

Use our listings as a resource to help you find a treatment center that specializes in care of meth addicts, since such a program will have the particular knowledge and skills necessary to help you in your recovery, and can also provide the much-needed aftercare.