As a teenager it can seem like you are just having a “good time” and doing “what everyone else is doing,” but this is an especially critical time in brain development. Abusing substances during this time can be harmfull to intellectual development, the ability to feel satisfaction and reward from everyday things, and the hard wiring of the brain. The brain does not fully develop until the age of 25 and before that time the choices we make, the things we learn about and how to do, and the things we put into our bodies all determine who we will be as adults, how we will handle things as adults, and how we will perceive things as adults. Adolescence can be a difficult time for many because of the overwhelming influence of hormones, bodies changing, and trying to figure out who “you” are and where you fit in. Many mental health problems are diagnosed during this time and many teenagers begin experimenting with drugs for recreation and as a way to handle their emotions. Many teenagers feel an overwhelming need to do well in school due to their parents and teachers putting pressure on them to get into a good college whether with grades, sports, extra curricular activities, or all of the above. On top of the pressure from parents and teachers there is a social pressure to look a certain way and act a certain way to “fit in.” Especially in today’s world where the internet has taken bullying from the hallways at school to the children’s home. There are many reasons for teenagers to feel the desire or need to use substances during this time but there are better healthier ways to deal with the problem(s). If you or your child is struggling with substance addiction it is important to get help as soon as possible. It can be disheartening to watch your young child suffer with such an adult problem at such a young age and it can be scary to tell your parents that you are suffering with such a thing, but it is important to get help. It can be difficult to see the signs of abuse at such a young age, you can think it is just rebellion, they are sick, or they are just acting like teenagers but it is important to look for things such as paraphernalia and be aware of the abuse signs.
Where to Start
If you or your child are suffering from addiction there is help. There are many treatment centers throughout the country. New Beginnings in Opelousas, Louisiana is an Adolescent Recovery Treatment Center specializing in 13-18 year olds suffering with substance abuse. They also treat patients with co-occurring disorders and those who need mild to moderate detox. They have a 20 acre campus that includes meeting centers, recreational facilities, offices, on site dining services, and separate male/female residential complexes. The campus is staffed 24/7 with licensed professionals. They have a maximum 44 in-patient treatment program and an outpatient program without capacity restrictions. They also provide homebound education program for junior high and high school patients with an option to enroll in a G.E.D.. program for those 17 and older. New Beginnings offers separate housing for male and female patients with two residents per room and a common space for each dorm. They also offer nutritious and well-balanced meals three times a day. Their dietician is also available to help with any special dietary needs or restrictions that patients may have.
Recognition
New Beginnings has been recognized with many various awards for their achievements in teenage recovery. They have been awarded the 2013 James W. West Quality Award, the 2014 Behavioral Healthcare Champion, and the 2015 Organizational Achievement Award. They offer detox, counseling and aftercare programs for their patients. They utilize the 12-step program in their center as well as many other clinical models. Some of the clinical models that they use are adventure based therapy, intensive family work, cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, expressive therapy, experiential and trauma work, and dialectical behavioral therapy and mindfulness exercises. They offer individualized treatment plans and all kinds of different treatment plans. Their treatment plans are medically supervised detox services, residential programs, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and extended care programs. When patients arrive they receive a handbook that outlines the treatment schedule, programs and rules, personal expectations throughout treatment, and daily activities. The family also receives a copy of the handbook so that everyone knows what is happening during the child’s treatment. The family also gets another handbook explaining the process their loved one will go through, the entire addiction and recovery process, and the expectations of involvement in their loved one’s recovery. They accept most private insurance programs and offer private pay options. Their administrative personnel will help discuss payment options that work best for your family. During the first seven days of treatment family is not allowed to visit because this is seen as an adjustment period where the patient focuses on treatment, After those seven days, family is encouraged to visit as they will play a major form in support and the work done in treatment.
For more information on New Beginnings Adolescent Recovery Center visit http://newbeginningsteenhelp.com/ or call 888-706-1870.
