Addicted teens aren’t getting the help they need and the reason may be due to a lack of services designed specifically for adolescents, reports a recent article on Forbes.com. According to a study published in the Journal of Substance Abuse and Treatment, “Only about 10 percent of the 1.4 million American teens with substance abuse problems receive treatment.” The report also reveals that only about a third of the drug rehab programs in the U.S. have treatment programs for teens. The lack of treatment programs, “means we lose our chance at early intervention, and that families may be unable to find services for their children in their communities,” says the author of the report, Hannah K. Knudsen, Ph.D.

Knudsen also analyzed the services provided by over 100 teen-oriented treatment programs and rated them according to nine areas of quality, including the variety of services provided and family involvement in the treatment process. The results from the study showed that intensive, full-service residential treatment options generally scored better than other programs.Looking at these factors, Gatehouse Academy would likely score well, not just because Gatehouse is a long-term residential rehab facility, but also because it does provide a wide-range of treatment options — including a unique program for co-occurring mental and emotional disorders.

“For parents who are looking for high-quality programs that offer the most comprehensive array of services, a good proxy indicator is whether that organization has an inpatient or residential level of care,” Knudsen said.

Residential treatment really does make a difference in the recovery process for teens and young adults. It’s important for a treatment center to offer the services tailored to the needs of the age group in order to create an environment that will prompt and encourage a successful transition into a sober and drug-free life.

This month has revealed just how deeply-rooted drug abuse is within sporting communities. Parents have had a lot to talk about with their kids thanks to the Michael Phelps weed video, and with Alex Rodriguez admitting he used steroids while playing with the Texas Rangers. When kids ask, "Why is using drugs a bad thing? A-Rod did it." – it can be hard to give a clear cut answer.  Out of all the recent buzz on drugs, President Obama was asked for his reflections on the matter. He gave a clear outline of the reasons why athlete drug abuse is depressing and just wrong.

It’s true – there are no shortcuts, not in sports or in life. If you want to achieve a lifelong goal or dream, it takes time and effort. When people choose shortcuts, they end up cutting themselves short. Real strength takes effort and hard work to build, and even though it is a slow process, there is visible improvement over time. When given guidance and long-term support, it takes away the pressure and stress that sometimes inhibits young adults from achieving their goals. Reassure the young person in your life and let him or her know that they have your support. Sometimes that’s all it takes to encourage someone to take the high road instead of a shortcut.   

An addict’s acknowledgment of the need for help is a major first step in a path towards recovery. Knowing which treatment method to pursue can be just as influential of a decision in the process of overcoming addiction. The withdrawal effects of substances vary, and the severity and duration of detox is often the deciding factor in one’s recovery route.

Health Day News recently reported that extended therapy combined with detox medications have shown to produce noticeable results for opioid addiction in young adults. Detox medications buprenorphine (Suboxone) and naloxone relieve withdrawal symptoms and prevent the physical effects of injected opioids, and have proven more successful in treating addiction when administered over an extended period as compared to short-term treatment programs. The study compared 12 week and  2 week-long treatment programs with the defined drugs, and found that extended treatment patients reported less use of opioids, cocaine and marijuana, less injecting, and less need for additional addiction treatment after 12 weeks. The researchers also found that patients in the long-term program tested positive for opioid use in urine tests more times in weeks four and eight, than at week 12.

This information demonstrates the benefits of prolonged use of detox medications in transforming deep-rooted lifestyle habits. Medication coupled with continuous counseling aids addicts in reaching their long-term goals. Although the administration of such detox medications is controversial due to the risk of dependence, this report reinstates the necessity of viewing addiction recovery as a lifelong process that can’t be wiped clean of the body instantaneously. When considering treatment methods, addicts shouldn’t follow a method that they consider a quick fix; rather, look at treatment as an ever-evolving self-healing process that requires patience and constant care.

Recovering from addiction is a process, and for most, it is a process that will last a lifetime. The opportunity for relapse will always exist – at parties, after-work social events, or even when meeting new people. That’s why it’s so important to build a solid foundation when undergoing drug and alcohol rehab. Learning to engage in social activities without reverting to old habits is an essential step on the path to recovery. It’s all part of developing the life skills to live, renewed and without addiction, and have the confidence to re-enter society.

At the end of September, several Gatehouse residents experienced a five day camping trip into the Mogollon Rim in Arizona. The excursion into nature was a tremendous success for everyone. Residents didn’t need alcohol or drugs to get a rush. They had fun hiking, swimming, fishing, and sleeping under the stars. These young adults grew closer together and formed friendships on this trip that will provide support even after they graduate from Gatehouse.

Being in a clean, natural environment also gave each person the opportunity to reflect on their personal progress and their own struggle with addiction. Realizing how far each of these young people have come, and how much their lives have changed for the better provides support and encouragement.

There’s no question the event was a success. Andrew P., one of the residents who went on the trip, wrote his reflections on the experience and he shares with us how meaningful and fun the excursion was for him. It’s a great example of how nature can have a positive effect on people in recovery.

Becoming a resident at a long-term drug and alcohol treatment center is a life-changing process; but, at the same time, you don’t have to let drug rehab change your personality. Addiction treatment centers are realizing the importance of providing vegetarian and vegan food options. Showing their support, PETA has even ranked the top vegetarian-friendly drug rehab facilities in the USA. It’s just one more way treatment can be personalized to encourage successful addiction recovery.

Developing healthy habits, including eating habits and exercise habits, is an important part of the addiction recovery process. That’s not to say you have to become an athlete or a vegetarian to have a successful rehab experience. What’s important is learning how to make positive life choices. Choosing what to eat and drink, what activities to participate in, who to have fun with – all of these choices will have either a positive or a negative effect on your life. People suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction have to learn how to choose the positives and leave the negatives behind. It’s not easy to do, and it takes patience, dedication and time to see that change become a real part of their new life.

During the late 1990′s and early 2000′s Robert Downey Jr became better known for his drug and alcohol fueled legal issues than his work as an actor. In 1999, the once promising television and film actor had hit rock bottom, ultimately spending a year in a California prison. After a relapse in 2001, Downey spent a year in an extended residential treatment center and has maintained his sobriety ever since. This Spring, Downey will be starring in the much anticipated “Iron Man”, based on the Marvel comic books of the same name. There is something much different about Iron Man, aka Tony Stark, than other comic book heroes. All heroes seem to have their own demons, but Mr. Stark is a recovering alcoholic. This overtly human defect is largely what has made the “Iron Man” series so popular and what makes Downey so perfect for the role. The article below gives a glimpse into the film.

“The best and worst moments of Robert’s life have been in the public eye. He had to find an inner balance to overcome obstacles that went far beyond his career. That’s Tony Stark. Robert brings a depth that goes beyond a comic-book character who is having trouble in high school, or can’t get the girl. Plus, he’s simply one of the best actors around.”

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Gatehouse Academy is an extended care treatment center for young men and women in need of long term drug rehab or alcohol rehab. We offer the opportunity for young adults from the ages of 17-25 to learn life skills, continue formalized education, enhance physical well-being, and recover from the detrimental effects of chemical dependency.

If you have any questions please contact us.