California Adolescent Treatment Centers

Substance Abuse among adolescents is the number one public health problem in the United States. A survey conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University in 2011, found that around 75 percent of US high school students had used addictive substances at some period of their life, including alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or cocaine. That means, one in five adolescents meets the medical criteria for addiction.

Adolescence is defined as the period between 12 and 18 years, a stage that is critical for brain development.

Addiction among teens can be particularly destructive. Experimentation with alcohol and drugs can have harmful effects on their health, because the brain of an adolescent is still not fully developed. This increases the risk of addiction, impairs the brain’s development and impacts their judgment.

Parents should be aware that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is characterized by impulsivity and other symptoms, is another risk factor of alcohol abuse. Many adolescents have been diagnosed with ADHD or have been suffered from the disorder, after becoming addicted to alcohol or drugs.

The use of illicit drugs is linked to the use of tobacco and drinking. According to the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the use of illegal drugs was 9.5 percent higher among teenagers who smoke. Teenagers aged 12 to 17, who are heavy drinkers, are also at greater risk of using illegal drugs. More than 70 percent used illegal drugs.

Without prevention or treatment, adolescence can mark the beginning of a lifetime of addiction. A recent study found that 90 percent of Americans began drinking, smoking or using drugs before they turned 18. One in four of those adolescents who started using addictive drugs became addicted, compared to one in twenty five, among those aged 21 and older. About 46 percent of high school students (6.1 million) use addictive substances, and one in three meets the medical criteria for addiction.

How to treat teenagers

There are a lot of licensed residential adolescent health facilities in the US, which are specialized in the treatment of mental health disorders, behavioral disorders, anxiety, personality disorders, complex psychiatric disorders, substance abuse disorders, and many co-occurring issues. In California, the Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center is one of the best treatment facilities, specially designed for adolescents. It is based in the tropical foothills of Agoura Hills.

The specialists from Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center are trained to deal with the physical and mental effects in a developing brain, the potential risk factors, including ADHD, along with situations that can generate stress such as family members, the school performance and peers. They start the process with a diagnostic evaluation, which includes both medical and psychological evaluations, a correct diagnosis, and important relevant information about the past and present challenges in their lives.

A diagnostic evaluation also provides a more complete picture of the severity of the problem, allowing experts to recognize the current phase of the patient’s addiction journey, which usually begins in adolescence and can continue until past middle age.

Prevention

The specialists from Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center believe that the best treatment for adolescents is prevention. If you suspect your child is using or abusing drugs or alcohol, ask for help.

About Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center

Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center is a tranquil, serene and quiet place. Set in a rustic environment, it is the perfect place for patients to relax and go through the rehabilitation process. This center provides multi-faceted healing environment, which includes expansive green outdoors, nutritious meals, elegant accommodation and wholesome healing programs. Patients are provided with an educational school component and recreational activities, such as: library, art, music and a range of outdoor exercise programs, including tennis and swimming.

The individual therapy sessions last 3 to 5 weeks. To provide a well-rounded and successful rehabilitation experience, evidence-based clinical therapies are complemented by holistic and creative therapies.