| Teen alcoholism treatment is designed to | | | | is created to help the teen recognize |
| address the unique issues of teen alcohol | | | | problems and develop tools to address them. |
| abusers. Unlike adults, minor teens can be | | | | It is not uncommon for teen alcoholics to be |
| compelled to enter treatment whether they | | | | victims of abuse, low achievers in school, or |
| want it or not. This can create feelings of | | | | have eating disorders. Alcohol treatment |
| abandonment or resentment. Resentment is | | | | programs help identify these concerns and |
| often stronger than denial for teen | | | | provide counseling. The program may refer the |
| alcoholics. | | | | teen to appropriate outside agencies. |
| | | | |
| Alcohol treatment programs for teens are | | | | If the teen is having problems at home, |
| designed around the unique characteristics of | | | | individual counseling is available. Family |
| teenagers and young adults. Teenagers may not | | | | counseling is usually provided but can hinder |
| be physically mature. Depending on their age, | | | | the teen's recovery. The teen needs to have a |
| they can still be in puberty. Since their | | | | voice and may not feel heard by the family. |
| brains are still developing, excessive | | | | Sometimes being able to say what they want to |
| alcohol use is often more addictive and | | | | say in a confidential setting moves the teen |
| damaging than similar use in adults. | | | | faster towards sobriety. |
| Treatment solutions must address these issues | | | | |
| for the teenager to become sober. | | | | The treatment program develops an aftercare |
| | | | plan for the teen. Aftercare is likely to |
| Teen alcoholics have stronger emotions that | | | | include participation in AA meetings. Alcohol |
| interfere in treatment. Teens do not like to | | | | recovery support is best in peer groups. |
| be singled out for any reason. While drinking | | | | Teens should not attend adult alcohol |
| may seem cool, being labeled an alcoholic is | | | | treatment programs. The needs of teens and |
| not. As a result, teens are more likely to | | | | adults are very different and should be |
| resist treatment. Teen alcohol treatment | | | | treated accordingly. |
| programs are sensitive to this. They are able | | | | |
| to work with teens at various emotional | | | | Teen alcoholism treatment has evolved into a |
| levels. | | | | very specialized option for teens and |
| | | | families. With the right supports, teens |
| Upon entering the treatment program, the teen | | | | begin to feel in control and comfortable with |
| is assessed to determine health conditions, | | | | themselves again. This allows them to |
| psychological problems, and underlying issues | | | | seriously think about their future. It can |
| that need to be addressed. A customized plan | | | | make them want sobriety above all else. |