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 Adolescent Chemical Dependency

By Mick Conway
Addictions
 
     
    Treatment for adolescent chemical dependency has reached a new level of excellence in recent years.  When adolescent chemical usage develops into addiction, intervention is called for.  As in all cases of chemical dependency, the disease process moves along at a predictable pace and when the adolescent reaches the point of dependency, treatment of the disease is necessary.
 
    There are two forms of treatment of adolescent chemical dependency.  Outpatient treatment is available for those adolescents who can maintain their sobriety while living at home and attending school   Regular attendance at an outpatient treatment program can provide the necessary educational material and support system to reinforce alternative responses to chemical usage.
 
    If the level of the adolescen'ts addiction to chemicals is such that they cannot maintain sobriety at home, inpatient treatment is called for.  In the inpatient setting the adolescent is removed from the situation in which they find alcohol or other drugs available.  The hospital or treatment facility in which they will be residing provides a protective atmosphere in which they can learn new behaviors and attitudes while confronting the reality of the disease.
 
    The primary services offered by adolescent treatment programs include group therapy, family therapy, individual therapy, AA step-school (learning the fundamental principles of Alcoholics Anonymous), lectures, recreational and educationall services.
 
    The supportive services offered are psychological evaluations and pastoral services.
 
    The adolescent substance abuser must learn about the disease of chemical dependency and how it affects their lives.  Building healthy relationships, restoring self-esteem, improving family relationships and learning positive leisure time activities are all part of the therapy provided by the treatment setting.
 
    The goal of any chemical dependency treatment program is, of course, to learn to live a chemically-free life.
 
    A return to moral values which have been disrupted by chemical usage is an important part of the treatment process.  Disruptive behaviors are identified and the consequences of these behaviors are dealt with in a realistic and positive manner.  The chemically dependent person learns to gain insights into feelings and defenses and to develop the skills to share them with counselors and group members.
 
    In the case of adolescent substance abusers, compulsive behavior associated with the stresses of growing up can be an overwhelming force when chemicals are added.  The entire course of their young lives is at stake.  Intervention by parents, the school or the law often provides the only solution to the dilema of addiction to chemicals.
 
    Most health insurance policies provide for outpatient or inpatient treatment of chemical dependency.  It is recognized by medical authorities as a disease, thus insuring coverage for treatment of this illness.  If a family does not have medical health insurance, alternate sources of payment can be found.
 
    Chemical dependency is a medical problem.  It should be treated as any other medical problem is treated - by treating it.