Teen Addiction and Rehab Programs in Las Vegas, Nevada

Teenagers grappling with addiction encounter a distinct set of challenges that can significantly impact their development. During adolescence, the brain is still undergoing crucial growth and maturation, with many areas—particularly those responsible for decision-making and impulse control—not reaching full development until the early twenties. This developmental vulnerability makes teenagers and young adults more susceptible to the detrimental effects of substance abuse, which can lead to profound chemical and behavioral changes.

Research highlights a concerning trend: teenagers who engage in substance use are at an elevated risk of developing substance use disorders later in life. Early initiation of drug or alcohol use is not just a risky behavior; it serves as a strong predictor of future addiction problems. Specifically, those who start experimenting with substances during their early teenage years are among the highest-risk groups for long-term addiction issues.

Given these factors, it becomes increasingly clear that tailored rehabilitation programs designed exclusively for adolescents can be immensely beneficial. Such programs often address the unique psychological, emotional, and social challenges faced by young individuals seeking recovery. These specialized interventions can provide vital support and equip teenagers with the coping mechanisms they need to navigate their recovery journey successfully.

Teen Substance Use and How We Treat It

There are many reasons why teens and young adults may abuse substances. Some may start using alcohol or drugs as a way to experiment during their formative years, often without fully understanding the harmful effects of these substances.

Peer pressure is a significant factor in teen substance abuse. During adolescence, individuals are often focused on defining their identities, and fitting into peer groups can feel crucial. As a result, young people may engage in behaviors they wouldn’t typically choose to gain acceptance from others.

Teens with mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), might turn to substances to manage their symptoms. Some may also misuse substances to relieve pain.

Teenagers might use stimulants or steroids to enhance their performance in school or sports, to build muscle, or to lose weight.

Substance use can also serve as a coping mechanism for dealing with issues they feel unable to confront in healthier ways. Drugs and alcohol can trigger the release of chemicals that produce pleasurable feelings. As a result, teenagers may be more inclined to seek out experiences that provide instant gratification, often at the expense of self-control.

Teens may begin to use alcohol or drugs as a way to:^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

Why Many Teens Don’t Seek Treatment

While many teens struggle with substance use, many do not receive rehab treatment. Of the 1.6 million Americans between the ages of 12 and 17 who needed substance use treatment in 2020, about 7.6% (120,000 people) actually received treatment.⁶ The largest proportion of teens receiving treatment are referred to by the juvenile justice system.¹

Since young people typically haven’t been using substances as heavily or for as long as adults, they may not experience as many negative consequences.¹ Young people may also not be able to objectively view their behaviors as problematic or see the substances they use as “harmless,” further reducing their motivation to attend treatment.^{1, 2}

Secrecy and denial about substance abuse are common reactions in adolescents and young adults, and they may refuse to acknowledge any use of substances when approached about attending treatment.^{1, 7} Their parents or guardians may be the ones who initially seek treatment for them, although it can be difficult to find treatment facilities that specialize in treating teenagers.^{7, 8} It can be especially difficult to motivate young people to attend rehab centers for teens with restrictive policies, such as those limiting smoking or family visits.⁸

Signs of Addiction in Teens

Addiction may present itself differently in teenagers and young adults than in their older counterparts. Warning signs of teen substance abuse may be mistaken for behavioral changes associated with adolescence.^{1, 9} It’s important to understand both the signs of addiction, and the signs of addiction in teenagers.

According to the DSM-5, the signs of addiction may include multiple of the eleven criteria:¹²

• Using a substance in greater quantities or for longer than intended.
• An inability to reduce one’s usage of substance.
• Spending a lot of time engaging in activities involving a given substance.
• Cravings.
• An inability to fulfill obligations at work, home, or school due to substance use.
• Continued substance use despite it affecting one’s family or personal relationships.
• Giving up enjoyable social, recreational, or occupational activities.
• Putting oneself in recurrent danger because of substance use.
• Continued substance use despite it contributing to a known physical or psychological problem.
• Tolerance.
• Withdrawal upon the cessation of substance use.

Signs of addiction in teens may include:^{4, 9}

• A change in peer group.
• Academic problems, like low grades, poor attendance, or getting in trouble at school.
• Missing classes or skipping school.
• A decline in relationships with one’s family.
• A loss of interest in activities, sports, or other hobbies once found to be enjoyable.
• Mood swings.

AAC’s Specialized Teen Rehab Programs Across the Country

Teenagers who are struggling with substance use may benefit from a specialized program that addresses their unique treatment needs.^{1, 5} Since teenagers have different life experiences and behavior patterns than adults, a treatment approach that recognizes this is different than treatment aimed at their adult counterparts.¹ This allows teen drug and alcohol addiction treatment facilities to take into account how teenage brains work, and may provide more effective treatment for this age group.^{1, 5} Teen rehab facilities often focus on: ¹

• Family therapy
• Peer support.
• Mental health screenings.
• Increasing motivation.
• Developing healthy coping mechanisms.
• Relapse prevention.
• School, family, and legal support.

There are different levels of care available, depending on the teenager’s needs. Inpatient or residential care may be ideal for teenagers who have severe substance use disorder, co-occurring mental or physical health issues, or chaotic or unsupportive home environments.¹ Outpatient facilities can vary in intensity, with partial hospitalization programs offering more structured treatment for teenagers who have severe substance use issues but can safely live at home, while standard or intensive outpatient is more suited for teenagers with less severe substance use issues, well managed or no mental health disorders, and a stable home environment.¹

What Therapies Are Used to Treat Teens and Adolescents?

Alcohol and drug rehabs rely heavily on behavioral therapy to create the changes needed to maintain sobriety and address any other issues that contribute to substance use.^{1, 5} Rehab programs for teens use similar therapies often incorporating family-based interventions as well.⁵ In a teen rehab program, these techniques are designed to address not only how substance use affects the teenager, but also the people around them and other aspects of their life.¹ Commonly used therapeutic techniques in teen substance abuse programs include:^{1, 5, 11}

How to Find Teen Rehab Centers Nationwide

If you’re a teen struggling with substance abuse in the state of Nevada, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Of the 106 rehab facilities in the state of Nevada, 32 (about 30%) provide specialized treatment for adolescents.¹⁰ To start your search for a rehab facility, you should reach out to a family practitioner, medical professional, or an adult who you trust. They’ll be able to work with you to determine your treatment needs and perhaps even refer you to a program that specialized in treating teens and young adults who have a substance use disorder.

Another good resource for finding rehab in the Las Vegas area and the state of Nevada would be the SAMHSA treatment locator. You’ll be able to filter based on state, and can search for specialty teen programs in Nevada. Additionally, you may benefit from contacting an addiction helpline. American Addiction Centers operates a 24/7 helpline that can answer questions you have about the rehab process, and may be able to refer you to facilities that can meet your treatment needs.

American Addiction Centers also operates Desert Hope, a rehab center in the heart of Las Vegas.