Finding Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Teens in Austin

Substance use among teens in the US continues to be a major concern. A significant portion of teens have experimented with or are currently using various substances, including alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and prescription medications. This trend is concerning due to the potential negative impact on the physical and mental health of young individuals.

Factors contributing to the prevalence of substance use among US teens include:

• Peer pressure
• Mental health issues
• Underlying trauma
• Easy access to substances
• The glamorization of substance use in the media and popular culture

At Alpha Behavioral Health, our mission is to continue to raise awareness by working to educate parents and their children about substance use. Our Austin, Texas, community of passionate mental health and substance use disorder experts is also dedicated to creating treatment plans to meet each individual’s needs.

Long and Short-Term Effects of Substance Use on the Developing Brain

Substance use during adolescence can have both long and short-term effects on the developing brain. In the short term, the immediate impact of substances such as alcohol or drugs on the adolescent brain can alter neurotransmitter function and disrupt normal brain development. This can lead to:

• Impaired cognitive abilities
• Memory problems
• Decreased impulse control
• Changes in mood and behavior

Persistent substance use during adolescence can have severe consequences on brain development. Chronic exposure to substances can lead to:

• Structural and functional changes in the brain affect areas responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation.
• Increased risk of developing mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and addiction later in life.

Signs Your Child May Be Abusing Substances

Teens who are using substances often show signs and symptoms. It is essential for parents to take careful notice of any behavioral changes. Some common signs and symptoms to look out for include:

• Neglecting or avoiding responsibilities  
• Changes in mood
• Struggling in school
• Changes in relationships with friends and family
• Weight changes/fluctuations 
• Changes in sleep and eating patterns

Contributing Environmental Factors to Your Child’s Substance Abuse

Just as it is important to look out for signs of substance use, it is just as important to recognize the environment in which the teen resides. At Alpha Behavioral Health, part of our comprehensive diagnosis considers all areas of a teen’s life and lifestyle that can lead to developing mental health and substance use issues. Some contributing environmental factors that can steer a child to use substances include:

• Substance use or abuse happens in the home with a parent or other sibling.
• History of abuse or neglect in the home environment
• Traumatic experiences during childhood
• Considering whether genetic predispositions to addiction run in the family

If a teen is exhibiting any or multiple signs of substance abuse, it is time to take action.

Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Teens at Alpha Behavioral Health

At Alpha Behavioral Health, our team of experts is dedicated to providing treatment based on the teen’s needs. Often, we find that a dual diagnosis is appropriate as mental health and substance use correlate with one another. 

Having access to care that addresses both is crucial for lasting success. Additionally, our comprehensive treatment programs and compassionate staff ensure that there is an option for everyone and that it makes sense for their lifestyle. Our comprehensive treatment programs Include:

Outpatient Treatment Therapy

Our outpatient treatment therapy allows teens to receive treatment or therapy without being admitted to a hospital or residential facility. This type of therapy is particularly beneficial for teens who do not require round-the-clock care, allowing them to continue with their daily activities while receiving the necessary intervention.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

In addition to our outpatient treatment program, our intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a structured form of treatment that also allows teens to receive comprehensive care for mental health or substance abuse issues while continuing to tend to their daily schedule. 

However, IOP is ideal for teens who require more support than traditional outpatient therapy but do not need the round-the-clock care of a residential program. The big difference between outpatient treatment and IOP is the frequency and length of each treatment session.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

Our partial hospitalization programs (PHP) offer a higher level of support compared to outpatient treatment and IOP. This type of program is ideal for individuals who do not require 24-hour care in a residential facility but still need structured therapy and monitoring. However, PHP does allow teens to return home in the evenings.

Our programs are designed to provide a supportive and structured treatment approach to help teens take significant steps toward lasting recovery.

Our comprehensive treatment modalities include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• EMDR
• Mindfulness-based approach
• Family therapy
• Motivational interviewing
• Experiential therapy

Support for the Entire Family

Finding treatment for a child can come with a lot of fear, stress, and uncertainty. Often, families may feel judged or broken because their child needs help. However, not finding a child the support they need is more detrimental to their health and future. Our staff is determined to educate families about addiction as a disease.

Understanding that each member of the family is affected and what each can do to help is vital to managing challenges and sustaining a healthy lifestyle. Our support for families helps empower families to learn how to support themselves when managing addiction.

The Next Steps to Finding the Right Substance Use Disorder Treatment For a Teen

Navigating the journey of finding the right treatment for a teen requires a thoughtful and comprehensive approach. The professionals at Alpha Behavioral Health are just a phone call away. Our expert team works with families to help them understand and identify the teen’s unique needs and the appropriate diagnosis and treatment options.

Taking the necessary steps and being proactive in finding the right substance use disorder treatment for a teen is essential to long-term recovery. With outpatient treatment, IOP, and PHP, we ensure teens are receiving appropriate care while also continuing to live and lead their teenage lives and participate in activities necessary for growth and development.  For more information, please contact the team at Alpha Behavioral Health today by calling (833) 257-4218.