Teen Drug Addiction Help

Residential drug treatment for teens differ somewhat from adult residential treatment facilities. This article offers examples of residential treatment centers for teens using drugs. These facilities often offer teens clinical treatment, academics, therapeutic options, and more.

Teens can abuse drugs in a variety of ways:

• using illegal drugs
• misusing prescription drugs prescribed to them
• misusing prescription drugs prescribed to others

In the third case, theft may also be involved.

The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) defines a “Residential Treatment Center” as a program focused on clinical treatment, often with medical monitoring and medication management available. Other key features include behavioral and academic support. Residential treatment centers may provide, individual and group therapy, as well as family therapy. I have used NATSAP membership as a criterion for mentioning a treatment facility later in this article, where I provide examples of residential treatment facilities for teens involved with drugs.

Residential drug treatment centers for teens may also treat other issues as well as drugs. They may treat substance abuse more widely, and or treat other, distinct issues. These centers operate based on different therapeutic approaches and philosophies, accepting teens of different ages. They may be limited to one gender, or accept both boys and girls but treat them in separate groups. The length of the program varies.

Examples of Residential Treatment Centers for Teens Using Drugs

• Caron Adolescent Residential Treatment Center

Caron Adolescent Residential Treatment Center is a residential treatment center in Wernersville, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1990 and treats boys and girls aged 13 to 19 in separate groups, with an enrollment capacity of 40. The center focuses on drug addiction and alcoholism. The duration of stay is 31 to 45 days.

• Coral Reef Academy

Coral Reef Academy is a residential treatment center in Apia, Samoa. It was founded in 1996 and treats boys aged 15 to 20, with an enrollment capacity of 20. The program uses the remote location and the facets of the Samoan culture in the therapeutic program. The duration of stay is 12 to 15 months.  The program treats chemical abuse, but also low self-esteem, poor choices, irresponsibility, and related issues.

• Diamond Ranch Academy

Diamond Ranch Academy is a residential treatment center in Hurricane, Utah. It was founded in 1999 and treats boys aged 12 to 17 at the Stone Ridge/Lava Falls Campus and girls aged 12 to 17 at the Crystal Springs/Whisper Creek Campus, with an enrollment capacity of 40 on each campus. The center has an academic program that is accredited by the State of Utah. The duration of stay is 10 to 12 months. Treatment is offered to teens who have been involved in drug abuse, as well as those with alcohol abuse issues, and a variety of mood disorders, personality disorders, learning disabilities, eating disorders, and more. Narcotics Anonymous groups are available. The therapeutic environment includes a “Token Economy,” and equine therapy is also available.

• Family Life Center

Family Life Center is a residential treatment center in Petaluma, California. It was founded in 1978 and treats boys and girls aged 12 to 18, in separate groups, with an enrollment capacity of 54. The academic program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The duration of stay is 12 to 24 months. The treatment for teens with drug or alcohol issues, or other issues, such as mood disorders, anti-authority tendencies, school issues including learning disabilities, etc., includes expressive arts therapy and a wilderness program.

• Gateway Academy

Gateway Academy is a residential treatment center in Salt Lake City, Utah, that includes an academic program. It was founded in 2002 and treats boys aged 14 to 17 with an enrollment capacity of 32 who live in two separate homes. The academic program is accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools. The duration of stay is 7 to 9 months. The program includes outdoor experiential learning, community service, and exercise, and boys with a wide variety of issues, including substance abuse, are treated.

Sources

familylifectr.org
natsap.org