Youth Substance Abuse Services
Youth substance abuse services are available for you and your loved one. Treatment is not easy and no one ever imagined it would come to this, but it has, it is possible, and you are not alone. The good news is that recognizing the signs, early intervention, and wrap around supports are the key to success and Stepping Stones is here to help. Call today 402-448-6511 to begin your journey to recovery.
What are the signs of substance abuse?
Substance abuse is the damaging pattern of substance use. It is the use of substances like tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription drugs to the extent of impairment or distress along with one or more of the following recurrent behaviors:
Failure to fulfill major responsibilities at work, school, or home such as repeated absences, suspension, and expulsion
In situations where it is dangerous, such as driving while impaired
Legal problems, such as substance-related arrests for disorderly conduct
Use despite having frequent or recurring social or personal problems caused or made worse by substance use
Signs of substance abuse can be similar to other signs of co-occurring youth disorders like bipolar, anxiety, depression, and side-effects from medications used to treat the aforementioned disorders. And even during regular youth development, adolescents can show one or more of the signs of substance abuse. So how can you be sure they need youth substance abuse services?
When are youth substance abuse intervention services necessary?
Go with your gut. If you are questioning substance abuse, get an evaluation. It is better to find out you do not need treatment than to wait another minute. At Stepping Stones, we understand the importance of early intervention and can perform a substance abuse evaluation for adolescents ages 13-18. This evaluation will establish if alcohol or other drugs are the problem. If so, we will provide recommendations and referrals for services. We also provide outpatient counseling services by appointment and will work with you to accommodate your scheduling needs.
Are youth and adult substance abuse services really different?
Research-based youth substance abuse services are somewhat new, but growing fast. Specific differences in youth treatment programs have clearly emerged, not only in the design, but also medication, maintained care, and self-care. It is vital that a youth program includes parent training, supervised free time, social activities, and managed services from multiple teams of juvenile support systems, including judicial and educational services. And there is a definite link between success and family involvement in youth services specifically.
Therefore, youth and adult substance abuse services differ in three major ways:
Family Involvement
Management of Social Influences
Integrating Education and Discipline with Treatment
Why is early intervention critical for success?
Problems at school, new or increased physical and mental health issues, poor peer relationships, motor-vehicle accidents, and family stress can all be related to untreated substance abuse. Intervention is critical because these problems tend to develop into lifelong substance dependence, chronic health problems, and lasting social and financial ramifications.
How will I pay for this?
It might seem like youth substance abuse services will be impossible to afford, but there are ways. Waiting, or not seeking services, will end up costing far more and possibly even the life of your loved one. So, even though the services are not free, here are ways to make it work:
Free or Low-Budget Programs- meetings through local churches, outpatient, and volunteer programs
ATR Programs- (access to recovery voucher program) allow clients the freedom of choice between different services providers who have received a specific grant. ATR voucher programs are often funded by organizations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or the U.S. Department of Health.
Payment Assistance- A payment assistance option would be any outside funding sources that would provide financial assistance for the addict.
Sliding Fee Scale- is based on the client’s income and ability to pay, and is often only reserved for lower-income clients.
State Financed Drug Rehabs- often help out addicts in lower income brackets or addicts who do not have any health insurance. Though some state financed treatment services having wait lists (https://www.addicted.org/nebraska-adolescent-programs.html).
Where do we start?
In Nebraska, Omaha and Lincoln are where the majority of the adolescent drug rehab centers are located and Stepping Stones of Lincoln, NE is one of the places you can go to get teen substance abuse services. Call 402-448-6511 to take the first step. If you are located in another area or rural community, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also provides a listing of over 15 resources on their website for teenage drug rehab centers in the state of Nebraska.
Save a life. Make the call. They may not thank you now, but they will later.
Sources:
https://youth.gov/feature-article/adolescent-substance-use-addiction-and-treatment-tag-talk
https://youth.gov/youth-topics/substance-abuse/critical-elements-substance-abuse-prevention-efforts