Teen & Adolescent Substance Use Comprehensive Therapy

The Role of Therapy in Your Teen’s Treatment & Recovery

Therapy plays a vital role in teen substance use treatment. Therapy allows your child to have a safe environment, where they can freely discuss their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with a trained and licensed mental health provider. Adolescents in therapy also get the opportunity to identify and process any negative emotions or traumatic experiences that may have contributed to their substance use. 

According to the American Psychiatric Association, therapy is an effective treatment option for those experiencing substance use disorders because: (1) 

• It can aid with recognizing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may contribute or perpetuate substance use. 
• It can aid with managing strong emotions that can trigger substance use, such as stress. 
• It allows individuals to address any mental health disorders that may occur simultaneously with their substance use disorder. 
• It allows each individual the opportunity to foster their confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth. 

Types of Therapies Utilized in Our Adolescent Substance Use Treatment Program

At Guardian Recovery, we utilize various therapies to aid adolescents experiencing substance use disorders. Each one has advantages that help each client develop the skills needed to reach their treatment goals. 

Individual Therapy

In individual therapy sessions, clients sit down one-on-one with a licensed therapist and delve deep into their patterns, behaviors, and any underlying issues that may influence their substance use. Individual therapy sessions allow clients to open up about topics they might not feel comfortable discussing in a group setting. Working with a trained mental health professional in a completely confidential and supportive environment is extremely beneficial. Over time, the client learns to trust their therapist, the therapist learns more about the client, their personal history with substance use, and coping skills are developed.

Group Therapy

Group therapy sessions consist of a group of teens and a licensed mental health provider. Each group therapy session focuses on a different topic. There is a strong emphasis placed on age-specific issues and challenges. For example, the impact of social media, peer pressure at school, family dynamics, and the stress associated with preparing for a transition to college/independent living are all discussed during group therapy sessions. Over time, clients develop a group cohesion with other group members and they are able to receive advice and gain support from their peers.  

Family Therapy

At Guardian Recovery, we believe that family involvement is an important part of the treatment process. The family serves as a built-in support system, and thoroughly educating the family on the root causes of substance use, and the importance of prioritizing their own emotional and mental health, often means the difference between relapse and continued recovery. During family sessions, the teen engaging in substance use, and their family, sit with a licensed mental health provider to develop adaptive communication and coping techniques. Each family member is allowed the opportunity to discuss their thoughts, feelings, and emotions, and the therapist guides the session, providing evidence-based techniques throughout the session.