Key Takeaways:
- Los Angeles has a rising population of people with substance use disorders, including teens.
- Drug rehab programs offer comprehensive pharmacological and therapeutic interventions that can help address addiction and SUDs.
- When choosing a drug rehab in Los Angeles, it’s important to research extensively and consider factors such as the staff’s experience, the facility’s location, and accreditations.
According to recent estimates, more than 700,000 people in Los Angeles County have substance use disorders, with opioid-related deaths rising from 830 in 2019 to 1,506 in 2020. However, despite such high numbers, you should remember that you are not alone if you or a loved one is battling addiction. Los Angeles-based substance abuse treatment centers such as Key Healthcare have helped several families address teen addiction issues, setting their loved ones back on the right path to a happy and healthy life. Let’s help you find the right Los Angeles rehab facilities in this article.
Understanding Your Teen’s Needs
Substance abuse treatment facilities can only pair teens with the right treatment program if they understand their needs. This often involves conducting comprehensive assessments and evaluations to identify the specific substance abuse problem, assess the severity of the addiction, and recognize any co-occurring mental health issue. This holistic understanding of the teenager’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being helps tailor effective treatment plans.
Different Types of Drug Rehab Programs
Addiction treatment facilities often recommend the following addiction recovery programs based on specific needs and preferences:
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Inpatient rehabilitation is a structured, comprehensive form of care for people with substance abuse problems or addiction. It usually occurs within the treatment facility or in a hospital setting for an extended period, cutting off distractions and triggers from the outside world. Therapists provide comprehensive care and support during the program through various therapeutic interventions as medical professionals stabilize patients and address severe withdrawal symptoms. By providing an immersive experience, this program makes it easy to address the complex needs of patients struggling with substance use disorders or addiction.
Outpatient Rehabilitation
Outpatient rehabilitation mostly serves less severe cases of drug abuse or addiction. Unlike in inpatient rehabilitation, participants do not stay within the facility. However, they are required to report to the treatment center for specific days a week for outpatient addiction counseling and other therapeutic or pharmacological interventions. Here are the most common outpatient rehabilitation services for drug abuse or addiction:
- Intensive Outpatient Program
The intensive outpatient program offers a safe and supportive environment that allows teens to build a strong recovery foundation and learn how to cope with stress, manage emotions, solve problems, and build healthy relationships. Although it is less restrictive than teen partial hospitalization (which we will discuss next), it still offers the same intensive level of care. Most facilities that offer IOP require participants to report for treatment 9 hours a week for 4-12 weeks, depending on the severity of their condition.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
The Partial hospitalization program is more intensive than the intensive outpatient program but less restrictive than inpatient rehabilitation. It caters to teens with serious substance abuse disorders who can function at a minimally appropriate level and do not pose an imminent danger or harm to themselves or others. It aims to teach participants how to deal with family issues, cope with temptations, appreciate the sober life, better control their thoughts, and think long-term. Although teens do not stay within the facility, they are required to report for treatment five days a week.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment is a more advanced care program for teens with severe drug abuse problems and addiction. Although it’s among the inpatient rehabilitation services, it usually runs for a prolonged period compared to other inpatient rehab programs, as most participants stay within the treatment center for 45-60 days, depending on their treatment needs and the severity of their conditions.
This drug rehab program provides a secure and structured environment, allowing teens to focus on their recovery. It also equips them with the necessary resources for living a healthier life. Therapists provide evidence-based addiction treatment through personalized addiction recovery plans during the program to address the comprehensive needs of participants. Teens also receive academic support to stay on top of their schoolwork.
Specialized Treatment Approaches
Specialized treatment approaches use tailored interventions to address the unique challenges adolescents face. They generally integrate evidence-based treatments such as acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and holistic therapies such as art, music, and surf therapy.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Drug Rehab Facility for Your Teen
You should select a drug rehab facility that offers comprehensive and specialized care for successful and lasting recovery. Here are some of the factors to consider during your selection:
- Location Consideration
For easier transportation and scheduling, choosing a facility closer to home is advisable. This is especially important if your teenager will be undergoing outpatient rehabilitation. It would be best also to consider the surrounding amenities. For example, there should be a hospital or an emergency center near the facility in case of emergencies or crises. The facility should also be easily accessible by road to make it easier to drop your teenager or join them for family therapy.
- Accreditation and Licensing
Only facilities committed to high standards of care, ethical practices, and safety are usually licensed and accredited. Your teen’s drug rehab facility should be licensed by the governing state and accredited by bodies such as The Joint Commission (TJC), the Council or Accreditation (COA), and The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).
- Expertise of Staff
Choosing a facility with a qualified and experienced team is important. Both medical and counseling professionals should have the relevant training and certifications and must be experienced in working with teens and addressing teen-specific issues. Additionally, there should be a small staff-to-patient ratio for more personalized attention and enhanced monitoring.
- Facility Amenities and Environment
The drug rehab facility should offer a supportive environment to make teenagers feel understood and accepted, so that they can share their struggles openly. It should also have outdoor spaces, educational services, and comfortable, well-maintained living accommodations. Lastly, select a facility with a clean and safe environment for improved outcomes.
- Cost and Insurance Coverage
Ensure that the rehab facility breaks down the total cost of treatment before treatment(there shouldn’t be any hidden costs). Choosing an option that allows insurance coverage is also advisable, as teen rehab programs can be expensive.
- Aftercare and Relapse Prevention
You should opt for a rehab facility that will involve you and your teen in aftercare planning once treatment ends. Aftercare plans encompass activities, interventions, and resources that can help people in recovery deal with triggers, stressors, and cravings for sustained recovery.
Conclusion
Drug rehab facilities offer comprehensive treatment and care for teens with addiction and drug use challenges. However, settling for the right one is important, especially in Los Angeles. Remember to go for a licensed and accredited option with a supportive environment, an experienced staff, adequate amenities, and essential programs such as aftercare planning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Visit a Rehab Facility Before I Make a Decision?
Yes. It is advisable to visit the rehab facility to get a feel of its environment, confirm its amenities, and talk to the staff before deciding.
What Types of Therapies Are Commonly Used in Drug Rehabs?
Drug rehabs use several interventions to help patients overcome addiction and drug use issues, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, group therapy, individual counseling, family therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, and holistic therapies.
Is Family Involvement Encouraged During the Rehabilitation Process?
Yes. Family involvement is usually encouraged during drug rehabilitation for the following reasons:
- It helps foster a strong support system for the patient undergoing treatment
- It offers family members a better understanding of their loved one’s addiction and challenges for informed support and encouragement.
- It promotes relapse prevention by helping family members identify and address relapse-related triggers or stressors.
- It helps families address unresolved issues for emotional healing
- It fosters the rebuilding of trust and relationships destroyed by addiction
How Can I Support a Loved One Going Through Drug Rehab?
Here are some of the things to do to support a loved one in a drug rehab facility:
- Educate yourself about their specific addiction and the rehabilitation process to gain a deeper perspective of what they are going through.
- Let them know that you are always there for them.
- Religiously attend family therapy sessions to address issues within the family dynamic.
- Create an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions.
- Recognize and respect their personal space. This is especially necessary during the recovery process.
- Do not enable them but instead hold them accountable. This calls for boundary-setting and enforcement.
- Acknowledge and support their milestones, however small
- Maintain a positive attitude.
How Long Does the Rehab Process Usually Take?
The rehab duration usually depends on the specific program, the patient’s needs, and the addiction severity. While programs like intensive outpatient therapy can take as short as four weeks, others, such as residential treatment, take longer and may require teens to engage in treatment for up to 60 days.
How Do I Handle Insurance Claims for Drug Rehabs?
Rehab facilities that allow insurance payments verify the patient’s insurance coverage to obtain relevant details, such as limitations, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses. However, you can contact your insurance company for a detailed explanation of benefits (EOB) to know how much they will cover after sharing accurate and complete information about the treatment program, then liaise with the facility’s billing department. Remember to keep a detailed record of all your communication with the insurance provider in case of any issues.
