Finding out that their child is abusing drugs or alcohol sends parents reeling. And rightly so, because such behavior can lead to a lifetime of self-destruction.
Sadly, the signs of this behavior are all too familiar. Adolescents who abuse drugs or alcohol typically withdraw from their families, do poorly in school or drop out, have impaired thought processes, are irritable and intolerant, associate with other users, engage in illegal activities and deceive their parents or other authority figures.
Before 14, virtually every child in the nation will be forced to decide whether or not to use drugs or alcohol. As children grow, the opportunities for experimentation multiply. In fact, studies indicate that rates of substance abuse double between the ages of 13 and 17. So children who begin experimenting with drugs and alcohol at an early age have a higher risk of developing problems associated with abuse and addiction. That is why it is so important to get help for children who are abusing substances as soon as the problem is discovered. South Miami Hospital’s Addiction Treatment Center is licensed to treat adolescents ages 14 and older.
Despite what we may tell ourselves, a good upbringing does not guarantee that a child is safe from drug or alcohol abuse. The best defense is education; when that fails, proper treatment can help a young person break free from the destructive behavior and begin to fulfill his or her potential.
The Adolescent Drug Education and Evaluation Program has five main treatment goals:
• To eliminate the use of all mood-altering substances.
• To identify and work through denial of the addiction.
• To gain knowledge of substance abuse and addiction.
• To establish open communication with the family.
• To gain self-esteem.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis is based on a one-on-one interview, psychosocial assessment and alcohol and drug tests. Adolescent patients are treated primarily on an outpatient basis so that they don't have to be removed from their school or home environments. They range in age from 14 to 19 years old. Each adolescent is assigned a primary therapist who works with the patient individually and in group therapy.
In addition, all patients and their families are encouraged to attend the Family Program. Staff members are therapists certified as addiction professionals. Psychiatrists and psychologists may be consulted when necessary.
The primary program operates Monday through Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Family participation is encouraged on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Patients usually remain in this stage for two months.
Although patients work as a group, our therapeutic plan is tailored to fit each individual's needs and includes:
• Psychosocial assessment and medical evaluation.
• Drug use history of 11 substances including alcohol, marijuana, hallucinogens, sedatives, cocaine/crack, stimulants and solvents.
• Random urine screens.
• Individual counseling (once a week or as needed).
• Group and peer counseling.
• Films on pharmacology and the issues of self-esteem, boundaries and abandonment.
• Lectures on communication skills, setting limits and family relationships.
Inpatient care
Depending on the circumstances, South Miami Hospital offers medically supervised detoxification in an inpatient setting. Once these patients are detoxified and stabilized, they are then treated as outpatients.
When an adolescent needs a more structured environment, we will evaluate the individual’s needs and make an appropriate referral to a residential treatment program, therapeutic boarding school or wilderness therapy program.
Continuing care
Continuing care is available for adolescents who have successfully completed the primary program. This stage emphasizes the importance of a support system, as well as involvement with Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous. Patients also are monitored in recovery and randomly tested for alcohol and drug use. Once a week, continuing-care patients attend one evening program with the primary group. Their families are encouraged to attend these programs once a month or as needed. Most patients remain in this stage for three months.
Adolescent Education Program
Sometimes an adolescent uses drugs or alcohol intermittently but does not show signs of a true addiction. Intervention at this stage is very important to prevent a future addiction.
We offer classes designed to educate these adolescents about the consequences of their drug and alcohol use. Classes meet two or three times a week for six weeks, and parents are invited to attend to learn the symptoms of addiction.
We will be happy to answer your questions either by phone or at your initial evaluation meeting. But please, don't wait to contact us. Call 786-662-8118 or toll-free 1-800-YES-HOPE (1-800-937-4673).