Tricare Humana Military Insurance Accepted
Providing comprehensive support to teens age 14-17
Teen Challenges with Substance Abuse & Mental Health
It can be very difficult for parents to realize how closely teen substance use and mental health are linked. Trauma and other mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD, can often lead to substance abuse. And substance abuse can often lead to mental health challenges. Effective teen treatment must address all factors which may include peer pressure, social stressors, relationships, environmental factors, anxiety about the future, unhealthy anger, impaired self-esteem, loneliness, and a host of other issues which can lead to substance abuse or mental health challenges. We believe that every teen has the ability to unlock their potential if taught to utilize the proper tools to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life.
We strive to help teens lead their best life today, as well as grow into adults that will create a better tomorrow.
Common Signs of Teen Substance Abuse
There are often signs that your teen may be experimenting or regularly using alcohol or drugs which include:
- losing interest in activities they once enjoyed
- difficulty staying on task or changes in focus
- change of friends
- increased irritability, anger, or anxiety
- breaking rules or ignoring directions
- stealing or lying
- withdrawing or isolation
- resistance to discipline or feedback
- slipping grades or decreased school focus
- extremely tired or extremely hyperactive
- pupils are very small or very large
- shaking hands, headaches, or glassy/red eyes
- weight/appearance changes
- changes in reactivity or judgement
- unmotivated, sad, or hopeless
Teen Trauma & Mental Health
Traumatic events and responses to trauma can be difficult to recognize and extremely variable. An event that causes severe distress for one person may not significantly affect another person. Sadly, a large portion of teenagers have experienced traumatic events which cause significant emotional responses, changes in behaviors, and can ultimately lead to
difficulties as an adult.
Traumatic events can be directly experienced by a teen, or the teen may witness a traumatic event happen to a friend or family member. The key questions to ask is:
How did the event affect you?
Below are some common events that can be traumatic for teens:
- various form of abuse or neglect
- bullying or physical assault
- interpersonal, school, or community violence
- tornado, fire, flood, or other natural disasters
- accidents, illness, or medical trauma
- death, grief, loss
- high stress or unsafe environment
- moving or relocation to unfamiliar environment
-deployment of a parent
Effective Treatment for Teen Substance Abuse, Trauma, and Mental Health
Our treatment approach with teenagers works to connect all factors involved in order to fully address every aspect that may be causing teens to struggle with substance use or trouble with mental health. We utilize multiple different evidence-based techniques to best work with the special needs of teenagers. We often include small group counseling as it has been proven to be very effective in incorporating peer experiences with the profession guidance of a counselor that specialize in teen behavior, trauma, and mental health.
We also incorporate individual sessions, family meetings, and various other modalities that are best suited
to the needs of each teen client and their families.