Youth Drug Rehab: What You Should Know

Sudden changes in friend groups. Withdrawal from family members. Coming home late and intoxicated. Hiding out behind closed doors. Acting defensive, aggressive, and/or out of sorts. Disregarding rules or authorities. Total dismissal of one’s personal hygiene and health. These are all signs that a child might be struggling with a substance problem. And while these behaviors might mimic “typical” teenage woes, they are ones you should not ignore.

Perhaps that is why you are here. You might be concerned by your teen’s behavior and considering a drug rehab program. You might feel overwhelmed with worry, fear, and uncertainty, unsure of how and when to intervene. Maybe you have questions like:

Does my child need drug rehab?
How can I possibly choose the right rehab program for my child?
What can we expect from a youth drug rehab program?

You are in the right place. Youth drug rehab is a professional treatment option that, when carefully selected, can be an incredible asset in your loved one’s recovery. And while taking this step can be daunting, doing your research ahead of time can ease the process and help you and your child prepare.

Let’s explore some of your most common questions about youth drug rehab, so that you know exactly when to act and what to expect along the way.

What is youth drug rehab, and what can you expect?

Youth drug rehab is a structured treatment program that is dedicated to helping adolescents and young adults overcome issues with substance abuse, addiction, and/or co-occurring mental health issues.

In youth drug rehab programs, you will find clinicians, counselors, and support staff who specialize in the unique experiences of young people. These programs are fully tailored to this age group, addressing the developmental, emotional, and social needs of teens and young adults. They implement evidence-based therapies that have been found effective for young people, as well as integrate fun, recreational activities that allow youth to truly engage with their rehab program. In addition, the best youth drug rehab programs will provide comprehensive care, including medical attention, academic support, behavioral therapy, and family therapy, for teens and young adults in need.

These methods of treatment do not simply treat substance abuse and addiction. The best youth rehab programs are designed to address the root of these issues, too. For example, we know that more than 1 in 4 teenagers (28%) who struggle with depression also use illicit drugs—meaning these issues are often connected, with many youth using drugs and alcohol to cope with deep-seated mental health symptoms. Youth drug rehab often offers programs that address underlying issues with depression, anxiety, peer pressure, trauma, body image, and more, in combination with drug treatment.

Typically, youth drug rehab is offered in a residential setting, where teenagers receive structured care and round-the-clock support while living at the treatment center. More mild cases of substance abuse may be treated with outpatient therapy, but this should be determined on a case-by-case basis. Treatment professionals recommend rehab programs that last at least 90 days, though longer-term programs are associated with better recovery outcomes.

A note on the term “drug rehab”

Drug rehab is a phrase heard every day, and many treatment facilities refer to themselves as drug rehab programs. However, at Turnbridge, we believe that this term does not encompass our philosophy or approach. While, by definition, Turnbridge offers drug rehab for youth, we prefer to say “treatment.”

Why? Because drug rehab implies that someone is broken and needs fixing or restoration. But that is simply not true. We believe that our treatment programs help teens and young adults become the best versions of themselves. We do not look to fix them or return them to their previous state. Rather, we encourage them to grow and transform, to find purpose and resilience, and to move forward (not backwards) throughout their recovery.

So, while we fit into the category of “youth drug rehab,” we consider ourselves a holistic treatment program for youth. Our mission is to help teens and young adults uncover the root of their struggles, reclaim their autonomy, rebuild broken relationships, and develop strength, purpose, and wellness in every aspect of their lives. And we are here for your child, too.

Contact Turnbridge at 877-581-1793 to learn about our programs for youth.

Does my child need a drug rehab program?

As a parent, it can be difficult to know whether your child needs drug rehab, or if they are just going through a phase of experimentation and trying to fit in with friends. Plus, the line between normal teen behavior and troubled teen behavior is often very blurry. So, how do you know if and when it’s time for rehab?

Typically, when a child is struggling with drug abuse, the behavioral, physical, and mental effects often get in the way of their quality of life. Consider this: Does your child’s substance use interfere with their performance at school or their relationships? Is it disrupting their physical health or emotional well-being? Does their substance use trigger other mental health symptoms, like sadness or anxiety? Does the drug use pose a threat to their life? Answering “yes” to these questions can signal a more serious issue, in which a youth drug rehab program should be the immediate next step.

Below are some common signs that your child needs, or can benefit from, drug rehab:

Extreme or sudden changes in mood, including unexplained emotional outbursts
Increased irritability, aggression, or violent behaviors
Withdrawal from family, friends, and/or once-loved activities
Changes in friend groups or hangout spots
Declining performance at school (e.g. skipping class or dropping grades)
Secrecy, dishonesty, and “hiding out” in their room
Sudden or noticeable changes in sleeping and eating habits
Disregard for one’s personal hygiene
Lack of motivation, energy, or goals
Physical ailments that might reflect withdrawal, such as fatigue, nausea, headaches
Physical signs of drug use, such as bloodshot eyes, nosebleeds, and weight changes
Frequent requests for money or theft
Signs of co-occurring mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD
Increase in dangerous behaviors and risk-taking, such as driving under the influence
Use of drugs that are associated with risks of addiction and overdose

If your teen is showing signs of a drug use problem, it’s important to intervene. Young people typically struggle to admit or recognize when they are facing a problem. Parents play an important role in ensuring they get the proper treatment and support. Substance use problems are very treatable and manageable. However, delaying rehab can carry risks, such as:

Increased chances of overdose
Higher likelihood of trying other, potentially more dangerous drugs
Greater vulnerability to dependence and addiction
Complex changes in the brain that require long-term treatment
Delayed treatment of co-occurring mental health disorders

Choosing a youth drug rehab program

It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions—such as guilt, fear, and uncertainty—when considering drug rehab for your teen. Even if you know they are drinking and using drugs, you might be wondering if rehab is really needed. It’s important to know that—especially for children, teenagers, and young adults—a person does not need to hit “rock bottom” to go to rehab. Youth drug rehab is designed to keep struggling children safe and get them on the path to a productive, substance-free life.

Youth drug rehab offers a supportive, structured environment where young people can address both their addiction and the root causes behind it, such as stress, trauma, or mental health challenges. If your child’s substance use feels beyond your ability to manage at home, or you’re concerned about your child’s safety, seeking professional treatment is the best next step.

Of course, choosing the “right” rehab program can be overwhelming, but rest assured that you’re the best person to make this decision. You know your child best. Just be sure to choose a program that specializes in youth drug rehab. In other words, their programs are entirely dedicated to meeting the unique needs of adolescents and young adults struggling with substance use. Adolescents and young adults have unique emotional, social, and developmental needs, so the best treatment programs are specifically designed with youth in mind.

Other factors to look for in a youth drug rehab program include:

Comprehensive care plans that are personalized for each client
Family involvement, so that you can support and stay engaged with your child’s recovery
Safe and structured environment, with round-the-clock support and clinical care
Comfortable living environments for residential rehab programs, so that teens feel comfortable
Age- and gender-specific rehab programs, where teens feel a sense of belonging and ease
Transparent communication with families, so that you always know what’s going on
Dual diagnosis training and expertise, as most substance use issues co-occur with mental illness
Holistic and recreational activities to keep youth engaged and positive in their program
Continuing care options and transitional support, to ensure your child is set up for long-term success even after treatment ends

Turnbridge: Mental Health and Drug Treatment for Youth

Choosing to send your child to drug rehab is a difficult decision, but one of the best decisions you can make for your family. This step reflects your love, courage, and commitment to your child’s well-being.

Through a youth drug rehab program, your child will be supported as they move past substance abuse and build a foundation for long-term recovery. At Turnbridge, adolescents and young adults build coping skills, learn healthy living habits, heal mentally and emotionally, repair relationships, continue their education, and set goals to work towards.

Turnbridge is a recognized mental health and substance abuse treatment provider for teens and young adults. We help youth overcome struggles with drug abuse, mental illness, eating disorders, and other troubles affecting their well-being. We are here for you and your family. Call us at 877-581-1793 to speak with our team, or visit us online to explore our various programs.