The teen years are a unique time when a person begins to practice greater independence, yet they may still have a few leftover traits from childhood that make them more prone to addiction. Drug prevention plans often treat teens different from adults, and there are a few reasons why. You’ll also find that asking about whether or not drug prevention is different for teens and adults leads to a further discussion regarding what treatment methods work for different age groups. Exploring all of this information can help you make the best choices for yourself or family member.
At the most basic level, you should know that all teens and adults should avoid using drugs that aren’t necessary for their health. Misusing drugs can have similar consequences for teens and adults such as raising the risk of having a cardiac event or experiencing an overdose. Teens and adults also have similar rates of addiction. However, it is well-known that a person’s risk of developing an addiction goes up when they start using drugs at an early age. The young brain is susceptible to damage from drug misuse since it is still developing, yet the fact that a teen’s brain is still developing can also help them to get the most out of drug treatment.
Many drug prevention programs focus on these key differences between teens and adults to develop age-appropriate lessons.
•Teens tend to be more susceptible to peer influences
•Adults may use drugs to deal with work stress
•Both groups may misuse prescription pain pills
•Teens often have a sense of invincibility that influences their drug use
•Adults may hide their drug misuse for longer
Learn How a Mixed Aged Group Enhances Drug Addiction Recovery
Many drug treatment programs allow both teens and adults to stay in the same facility. This is because those who are in the 18 to 19 year old range are still considered to be adults. This age group technically falls within the teens category, but they may be dealing with adult challenges such as living away from home, holding a job or even beginning a family. Placing someone who is 18 in the same facility as someone who is 65 for drug treatment may seem strange, but this arrangement has several major benefits for everyone who is involved.
The first thing to understand is that most drug treatment strategies can be tailored to fit anyone’s personal age level. For instance, cognitive behavioral training includes using strategies that a person can use whether they are in college or facing the new stresses that come with aging. Drug treatment programs also include individual therapy sessions where a person will work with their counselor on issues that are currently affecting their life. They may work on figuring out the best ways to manage their depression, or they may talk about an issue that just happened in their marriage. During individual therapy, a person has the full floor to explore what they need to be successful personally.
Perhaps one of the most exciting places to see different age levels benefit each other during drug treatment is in group therapy. Drug addiction is a common ground that has no age barrier, but the different age groups bring special things to the table when it comes to group discussions. Often, older adults will share their experiences with younger people in the group. They may share what they’ve found works best for preventing relapse, and they can reinforce the importance of getting clean while they are younger. The adult teens in the group bring a sense of hope to the sessions that helps to elevate everyone’s mental attitude. Teens may also share how some of the newer drug addiction treatment strategies are working for them, and the group session leaders help to ensure that everyone benefits from this arrangement.
Addiction strikes almost every age group, and it is important to recognize how each person’s experience may be influenced by their age and personal life history. While some teens may be living very adult lifestyles by the time they are 18 or 19, others may still be living at home with their parents. Finding a program that addresses every person’s need is the best way to help the teen or adult in your life get sober.
Are you looking for a drug treatment program for a specific age group? If so, we’re able to help you find the right one for your loved one. Give us a call today at 833-846-5669.