Adolescent residential treatment
Treating adolescents in a residential (inpatient) rehab setting requires a specialist unit. In order to be registered with the Department of Social Development the unit must display certain competencies and meet certain requirements. This ensures the safe and ethical treatment of adolescents.
There are not many such units operating in South Africa but we are able to recommend one in particular that has an outstanding history of sterling clinical work. It is headed by a clinical psychologist and staffed by a complement of experienced counselors specialized in treating adolescents and young adults.
Addiction
Teenagers don't only use illegal (street) drugs. Many teens misuse over-the-counter medications (cold medication, pain killers, diet pills) and other substances (such as inhalents). This can lead to serious physiological and psychological damage.
Addiction in teens will often be associated with behaviours that might suggest the presence of a conduct disorder. Only a specialist unit can properly contain the teenage addict and understand the behaviour in its proper context. This makes a diagnosis more accurate and treatment more effective.
Teenage Depression
Teenage depression is quite prevalent. It can arise as a result of developmental changes, pressure to perform well, as well as social pressures that may leave them feeling inadequate and "worthless". The teenage emotional landscape is confusing and can be difficult for a teenager to interpret and understand.
Teenagers diagnosed with depression often also have an anxiety disorder and sometimes a conduct disorder too. Teenagers who suffer from a Major Depression can be expected to recover from the episode if it is treated. Their social functioning and educational progress may be impaired and could require remedial post-therapy work. Early detection reduces the degree of these damages.
Teenagers who feel that they are not "good enough" may be led to self-destructive behaviours as a result of their low self-esteem: self-harm ("cutting"), oppositional defiance, fighting with parents, promiscuous sexual activity, drug or alcohol abuse, and/or suicidal ideation and attempts. Depression can result in ennui - reduced motivation, loss of desire, and morbid preoccupation. The sleep patterns will often be interrupted which has a knockon effect of causing concentration problems, tiredness, and irritability. This affects school performance (which adds more pressure to the teen) and causes more social disruption (which also aggravates the problem).
The treatment for depression in teenagers is similar to that used for adults. A specialist adolescent residential unit will use a combination of pschotherapeutic techniques to address the broader context of the depression. The whole family will be asked to attend sessions to address family systemic dynamics.
Teenage Eating disorders
Proper treatment can relieve a teen from the symptoms of an eating disorder. Specialists in an adolescent unit will be able to evaluate, diagnose, and treat these psychiatric disorders. A specialist residential adolescent treatment facility will have a multidisciplinary team consisting of medical personnel, counselors, a nutritionist, and a dietitian. Comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression will be treated simultaneously.
Finding a specialist unit
Before you consider admitting an adolescent to an adult unit consider the following points:
- To be registered with the Department of Social Development, a unit must have a seperate license to admit adolescents. Does the treatment center you want to admit your child to have this license? This requirement is in place for the safety of your child
- Adults should not be housed where they have access to teens under the age of 18. Do you feel comfortable admitting your teenager to a unit where he/she will share accommodation with adult drug addicts?
- Will a teenager fit into a treatment community of adults? Wouldn't it be better to have a treatment community of teenagers?
We can help you to find a residential adolescent treatment center. We'll make the referral and all the arrangements for you. Contact us today!