SUN Columbus Informs About Teen Rehab

Columbus, OH – SUN Behavioral Health Columbus just released a new blog discussing what to look for in a teen rehab. While they understand no parent wants to have to think about this topic, providing education is what SUN does to help their communities. The blog explores what parents need to be aware of, and what to expect from a teen rehab facility.

“Anyone who chooses to use substances is at risk of becoming addicted. For teens, using drugs such as alcohol or heroin early in life can cause prolonged addiction leading into adulthood. Some of the most common reasons teens use substances are unmanaged mental health conditions, peer pressure, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as abuse or poverty, family history of addiction, and lack of family involvement. It is important to note that there is not a specific gene related to addiction. However, there are genetic factors that can cause a predisposition for addiction,” the article states.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 15% of high school students reported using illicit substances. Teens who use substances such as opioids are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as unprotected sex or sharing injections. These can lead to STDs such as HIV, which can put more stress on the teen and will aid in their addiction pattern.

The danger of substance use disorder in teens is that the brain is learning and creating new pathways every day. When the brain learns that these substances are becoming a part of life, it becomes much more difficult to stop using. Many adults who seek treatment for substance use disorder report having started using in their teen years.

“Alcohol specifically affects teens differently than adults. For adults, alcohol works as a depressant, usually increasing calmness and slowing the body’s response system. In teenagers, alcohol has the opposite effect. When teens consume alcohol, they become more energetic and sometimes aggressive. Reckless behavior is common in teens who drink alcohol, and these feelings of invincibility contribute to the causes of teen alcoholism,” the article continues.

There is no wrong time for a teen to start rehab. When substance use has become a part of their everyday life, a rehab program can work to address the underlying issues. Addiction in teens is just as common as addiction in adults, so the sooner the substance use is treated, the better the outcomes will be. An initial assessment is done at teen rehabs and determines some of the underlying causes for the teen’s substance use and how to best treat them. A teen living with undiagnosed bipolar disorder will need a different treatment path than a teen who uses opioids due to peer pressure. By performing this assessment, the teen can voice their opinions and work with the professionals to outline unique treatment options and goals.

SUN Behavioral Health Columbus has been treating teens as well as adults for many years. They have options for inpatient treatment as well as different outpatient programs for teens who are unable to miss school or work. Their facility is equipped with a 24/7 crisis care unit, so teens can be admitted at any time when experiencing a substance use or mental health crisis. The team at SUN is able to treat both substance use disorder and mental health conditions at the same time.

For those wanting to learn more about SUN Columbus, call 614-706-2786 or visit their website.