Is your teen displaying behavior that might be related to substance use? If so, you are not alone. Many teens struggle with alcohol or drug use, and those who do often face unique challenges, including mental health issues, academic difficulties, strained family relationships, social withdrawal, and more. Overall, substance use can have a devastating impact on a young person’s life and lead to long-lasting repercussions.
Fortunately, holistic, evidence-based treatment can address the many factors that contribute to substance misuse, help your teen recover, and prevent similar issues from persisting later in life. At Guardian Recovery’s Montville Adolescent Center in Towaco, NJ, we provide a safe environment and individualized care for teens aged 13 to 17, and we are here to help them and your family navigate the recovery process and look forward to a better future.
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Guardian Recovery Adolescent can help your teen take control of their lives, putting them on a path to a brighter future filled with possibility.
Commonly Used Substances by Adolescents
The 2024 Monitoring the Future Survey reports that in 2023, lifetime use of alcohol and marijuana (the most commonly used substances by teenagers) among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders, was estimated at 36% and 23%, respectively.1 Lifetime prevalence rates for other drugs across all three grade levels include:1- Inhalants — 7.3%
- Amphetamines — 5%, including methamphetamine (0.5%)
- Hallucinogens (such as LSD and psilocybin) — 4%
- Tranquilizers — 2.5%
- Cocaine — 1.1%
- Heroin — 0.5%
Signs & Symptoms of Substance Use Parents May Notice in Their Teen
It’s important to be aware of behaviors in your teen that could be indicative of substance misuse, especially if you notice multiple signs occurring at once or sudden or extreme changes. These may include:- Mood fluctuations or behavioral issues, such as low energy and motivation, apathy, depression, impulsivity, irritability, anxiety, aggression, or social withdrawal.2
- Physical or mental issues, such as lethargy, poor concentration, sleep disturbances, or an adverse change in hygiene or appearance.
- Signs of intoxication, including constricted or dilated pupils, red eyes, impaired coordination, inexplicable laughter, or slurred speech.
- Substances or evidence of substance use in the teen’s room or within their personal effects, such as empty alcohol or pill bottles, scales, pipes/bongs, lighters, vaporizers, rolling papers, burnt spoons, needles, etc.
- A notable decline in academics, including poor grades, failed exams, disruptive classroom behavior, disciplinary action, and absenteeism without approval.
- Negative interactions with, or avoidance of, family members, friends, classmates; changing peer groups; or a reluctance to introduce new friends to family members.
- Unexplained missing prescription medications, such as opioids, benzos, or amphetamines, belonging to other family members.3
What To Look for in Local Teen Detox & Addiction Treatment Center
There are many factors to consider to ensure your teen receives the holistic, effective care they need to face and overcome obstacles and thrive in recovery. Important features of an adolescent treatment center include:- Medical detox supervised by health professionals
- Comprehensive programs and tailored treatment plans designed for teens to address their unique needs, preferences, goals, and challenges
- An integrated approach that also addresses co-occurring behavioral health issues
- Experienced, licensed staff, including therapists, counselors, doctors, and other professionals who specialize in teen addiction and behavioral health
- Traditional evidence-based techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Complementary therapies, such as mindfulness meditation and creative arts therapies
- Family involvement and education
- Simultaneous academic support during treatment
- Aftercare planning that includes ongoing therapy, counseling, support groups, and relapse prevention strategies
Why Choose Montville Adolescent Center Near Elizabeth, NJ, for Your Teen’s Recovery?
Our Elizabeth, NJ, teen rehab is a specialized treatment facility designed to help teens battling substance use and mental health issues. We provide a safe, supportive environment where teens can receive personalized treatment from a team of experienced, licensed professionals including therapists, psychiatrists, and healthcare providers. Beyond addressing substance use, we focus on identifying and treating underlying mental health conditions that contribute to substance misuse. Our holistic approach includes medical detox, residential programs, and aftercare planning to support teens and their families on their journey to recovery and long-term healing.Critical Reasons To Choose Montville Adolescent Center
- Individualized Care in a Supportive Setting — Featuring a 1:1 staff-to-client ratio, we provide personalized treatment plans to meet the unique needs and goals of each teen.
- Academic Continuity — We work closely with local schools to maintain academic progress, promoting seamless curriculum integration.
- Family-Centric Therapy — Recognizing the family’s critical role in recovery, we offer therapy sessions, regular updates, and workshops to improve family dynamics.
- Tranquil and Safe Environment — From classrooms to fitness areas, our center combines natural beauty with thoughtfully designed spaces to facilitate adolescent growth.
- Convenient Proximity — Our facility offers both accessibility and tranquility, located just 25 minutes from Elizabeth and close to Manhattan.
Substance Use Disorders We Treat at Our New Jersey Teen Treatment Center
At Guardian Recovery’s Montville Adolescent Center, we address a wide range of substance use disorders, offering detox and residential treatment for conditions related to alcohol, marijuana, prescription and illicit opioids (e.g., heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone), benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan), stimulants (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine), inhalants, and more. Are you concerned that your child is misusing any of these substances? We can provide you with guidance and a complementary assessment. Simply contact our admissions team at 888-483-1517.Our Approach to Adolescent Behavioral Health & Mental Health Treatment
At Guardian Recovery—Montville Adolescent Center, we believe in a holistic approach to adolescent substance misuse and mental health treatment. Our programs are designed to address the underlying causes of these issues and provide the support and tools teens need to succeed. We focus on building resilience, developing coping skills, and promoting emotional well-being. Through individual and group therapy sessions, we provide each teen with personalized care throughout all stages of their recovery journey. We emphasize family involvement and combine evidence-based therapies with medical supervision and counseling. In addition, we provide educational support to help teens rebuild their confidence and prepare for a promising future. Through ongoing aftercare, we focus on helping teens sustain long-term recovery and provide support and resources to smooth the transition back into their daily lives.Complimentary Insurance Check
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Amenities at Guardian Recovery—Montville Adolescent Center
Located within a serene, tree-lined environment, our campus is specifically designed to support the holistic recovery of adolescents, while offering a distraction-free, safe, and secure setting that allows teens to fully focus on their recovery journey.
Amenities include:
- Private and semi-private rooms
- Spacious dining with chef-prepared meals
- Academic support
- Gender-specific housing floors
- Engaging classrooms
- Inviting game rooms
- Access to well-equipped fitness areas
- Accessible location (45 minutes to Manhattan, 2 hours from Philadelphia, 19 commuter rail stations nearby)
Our Levels of Care for Teen Substance Use Recovery
At Montville Adolescent Center, we create personalized treatment plans for each teen based on their individual needs. Given our goal to provide comprehensive and effective care, we offer different levels of treatment to support teens and their families throughout the recovery process.
Adolescent Drug Detox
When individuals develop a dependence on a substance, reducing or discontinuing use causes unpleasant and even dangerous withdrawal symptoms, many of which are severe enough to require medical oversight. Even mild symptoms can be uncomfortable enough to lead to relapse, which is why medical monitoring during detox is essential.
Our teen detox program near Elizabeth is designed to facilitate a safe and comfortable detox experience for teens. They receive ‘round-the-clock medical supervision from a team of professionals that includes nurse practitioners and a medical director. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is available as needed to help mitigate withdrawal symptoms and ensure a smoother process.
During this process, teens engage in daily sessions with a therapist or counselor to address emotional and psychological challenges. With a capacity of up to five clients, our clinical detox program focuses on individualized care and medical stabilization to prepare individuals for the upcoming phases of treatment.
Teen Residential Inpatient Treatment
With a duration of 28 days or longer, our residential inpatient program provides individualized, intensive, support for teens in a safe and structured environment, helping teens stabilize emotionally and prepare for outpatient treatment. The program features a daily schedule that includes daily medical checkups, therapy, family counseling, recreation, creative arts, mindfulness practices, and group activities to foster emotional healing.
We also provide academic support in collaboration with the teen’s school district, dedicating two hours daily to ensure teens stay on track with their schoolwork. Our goal is to equip adolescents with the skills and emotional strength they need to continue their recovery and wellness journey.
Adolescent Substance Use & Mental Health Treatment Therapies
In addition to treatment for substance misuse, our programs address co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and more. We use a combination of individual and group therapies, such as CBT and DBT, to help teens dive deep into their underlying challenges and develop new coping skills and stress management strategies.
Other offerings that address mental health include:
- Group therapy sessions designed to help teens enhance their communication skills and more effectively manage stress and negative emotions.
- Educational sessions that provide insights into addiction and mental health issues, benefiting both teens and their families.
- Family therapy and involvement that addresses fundamental issues and establishes a foundation for long-term success.
We also employ creative arts therapy to help teens express themselves and explore their emotions. Through activities such as drawing, painting, music, and drama, teens can discover new ways of coping and promoting healing and personal growth.
Our Locations
Our Facilities & Teams Transform Lives
Changing lives by providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation, empowering individuals to overcome addiction and regain control of their health and well-being.
Boca Raton Adolescent Center
Boca Raton, Florida
Montville Adolescent Center
Towaco, New Jersey
New Pathway Counseling — Pine Brook
Pine Brook, New Jersey
Guardian Virtual
Online
What Makes Our Adolescent Substance Use Treatment Program Different?
At Guardian Recovery, we provide our young clients struggling with substance use with comprehensive, specialized treatment and a supportive environment, with a focus on the many root causes of addiction. We also feature a 1:1 staff-to-client ratio with compassionate professionals who have decades of addiction-related experience with this unique population. We offer multiple levels of care, ensuring adolescents receive the tools and ongoing care and support they need to succeed in long-term recovery.
In addition, we prioritize academic success and work closely with schools and families to support teens’ educational endeavors. Simply put, we’re not your average adolescent rehab. As specialists within the industry and the adolescent population, we’re the gold standard that adolescents and their families can trust.
To learn more, contact us today at 888-483-1517 for a free and confidential conversation. Or, explore our quick and straightforward admissions process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Teen Rehab Program
Does insurance cover the cost of treatment?
Yes, insurance usually covers some or all medical detox and treatment costs. This is thanks to laws like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). These laws require that insurance companies cover mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
What types of insurance do you accept?
We accept most insurance plans. To learn more about your coverage and costs, contact our admissions counselors. They can check with your insurer and give you a detailed explanation of what’s covered under your plan and roughly how much you’ll pay out of pocket. If you don’t have insurance, we offer other payment options. Your call is free and confidential, and there is no obligation to choose our treatment program.
How much does the program cost?
Because treatment is highly individualized, costs vary significantly. The best way to determine how much you might pay for treatment is to contact our admissions team at 888-483-1517. We can answer your questions and verify your insurance benefits or explore additional payment options.
How do I get started?
Admissions is quick and straightforward. When you call us, one of our dedicated counselors will provide you with a brief pre-assessment over the phone to ensure that we’re the best fit for your child. After this assessment, we can verify your insurance benefits and arrange a time for their intake.
Can I visit my child while they’re in treatment?
Yes. Visitation is held during designated hours. Before visitation, clinical staff must approve visitors, who are limited to family members and guardians 18 years or older.
Are there any rules my teen must abide by while engaged in treatment?
We have Program Agreements and rules that ensure the privacy and safety of all teens, which we will review with you at admission and throughout your child’s stay.
Do you prescribe medications?
We’ll discuss any changes to medications with you before administration. If your teen has a therapist or doctor, you will need to sign a Release of Information (ROI) form so we can communicate with them. Moreover, this will help us understand past treatment and discuss any medication changes after treatment is completed.
What steps should I take when my child is ready to discharge?
Upon admission, your teen’s case manager starts planning their discharge to outpatient care. This plan is based on their needs and progress as well as your family’s resources. We’ll discuss discharge planning during your weekly calls and family therapy sessions. We’ll also give you detailed instructions and a summary at discharge, so there are no surprises.
Do you offer family support?
Family involvement is a crucial aspect of the treatment process. We ensure that families are involved from the start, where they are introduced to the treatment plan and the team overseeing their child’s care. They are also provided with regular updates and meetings. Furthermore, we offer family therapy and support groups to help family members communicate, address a wide range of issues, and receive peer support. Discharge conferences are held to discuss post-treatment plans and strategies for reintegrating teens back into the family environment.
What educational coordination is offered?
We prioritize education by working with schools to ensure teens maintain academic progress while undergoing treatment. We schedule two hours each day for academic and physical education activities, which helps teens keep up with their schoolwork and make a smoother transition back to their school after treatment.
Will my teenager have their own room?
We offer optional private bedrooms on a first come first serve basis. While some teens prefer privacy, others seek the support provided by living with another peer during treatment.
SELF-ASSESSMENT:
Do I Have an Addiction Issue?
Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- Monitoring the Future. (2024). TABLE C-1: Trends in Lifetime Prevalence of Use of Various Drugs for Grades 8, 10, and 12 Combined.
- Youth.gov. (n.d.). Warning Signs.
- Children’s Health. (2024). 9 signs your teen is struggling with substance abuse.
