Substance Use
For teenagers grappling with substance use challenges, we acknowledge the complexities of their experiences while fostering empowerment and resilience. We aim to meet teens where they are, offering practical tools and support to reduce the negative consequences of substance use. Through a combination of education, counseling, peer support, and access to resources, we empower teens to make informed choices, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and cultivate a sense of agency over their substance use journey.
What is Substance Use Disorder?
Teens may use substances for various reasons, including peer influence, genetics, family history, and underlying mental health issues. While some teens may experiment with substance use but moderate it and avoid addiction, others will go on to develop a substance use disorder. A teen with a substance use disorder struggles with physical dependence, as well as a loss of control over the intense urges to take the substance, even at the expense of adverse consequences. Physical effects of problematic substance use include tolerance – a need for larger amounts to achieve the same effect – and withdrawal symptoms when attempting to reduce or cease substance use. A person with substance use disorder may spend a lot of time and effort to get, use, and recover from the effects of the use of drugs, withdraw from hobbies and social activities, and continue to use substances despite the negative consequences.
What are co-occurring disorders?
A co-occurring disorder, also known as a dual diagnosis or comorbidity, refers to the presence of both a substance use disorder (such as alcohol or drug abuse or dependence) and a mental health disorder (such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or PTSD) in an individual. These disorders can interact with and exacerbate each other, leading to more severe symptoms, poorer treatment outcomes, and a higher risk of relapse. Teens with untreated conditions such as trauma, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or ADHD might turn to substances as a coping mechanism for emotional distress. Co-occurring disorders often require integrated and comprehensive treatment approaches that address both substance use and mental health issues simultaneously to support individuals in their recovery journey effectively.
The top two co-occurring disorders for adolescents are ADHD and PTSD. Treating these complex challenges requires an individualized and custom approach to care.
What are risk factors for substance use?
Adolescents who have experienced trauma early in life or have been exposed to chronic stress are more likely to use drugs as a way to self-medicate and cope with underlying mental health issues. Having a family history of problematic substance use increases the likelihood of the adolescent developing a substance use disorder as well. Lastly, teens who start using substances at an earlier age are more likely to develop substance use issues later in adolescence and adulthood.
What is abstinence vs harm reduction?
Harm reduction is a newer approach to substance use treatment that focuses on engaging clients in behaviors that reduce the adverse consequences of substance use. By opting for a harm reduction rather than abstinence approach, treatment gives the teen agency intending to help them regain willpower and control over their behaviors. The harm reduction approach does not minimize or ignore the real harm and dangers associated with substance use but acknowledges that substance use is a complex and multifaceted disorder. Antelope Recovery provides treatment that addresses conditions underlying substance use, meets teens where they are at, and works towards managed use, abstinence, and relapse prevention.
Benefits of healing from Substance Use Disorder
Healing from substance use disorder brings profound benefits, empowering teens to regain control over their lives and fostering a healthier, more fulfilling future. Through treatment, teens learn to manage urges and develop coping mechanisms that address underlying issues. Recovery often leads to improved physical health, as the body heals from the effects of substance use. Teens also experience enhanced mental clarity and emotional stability, allowing them to engage more fully in their relationships, education, and activities. By overcoming substance use disorder, individuals build resilience, self-efficacy, and a renewed sense of purpose, enabling them to thrive in all areas of life.
Therapeutic modalities used for Substance Use
At Antelope Recovery, our team of experienced professionals utilizes numerous therapeutic modalities to aid your teen’s journey to health and happiness. Explore some of the modalities used below.
A Glance at Our Intensive Care for Substance Abuse
Monthly Case Consultations
Ongoing Virtual Support
Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
Parent Support
Drug Testing
Interdisciplinary Care Coordination
Learn More About Our Virtual IOP Program in Colorado
Our IOP lasts between 4-12 weeks and includes 3-20 hours of care a week, depending on what is needed for your teen to build the foundation necessary for lasting recovery. Treatment plans are completely customized to your teen’s needs.
Your Family’s Recovery Roadmap
- Schedule a free consultation to kickstart your teen’s recovery and create a personalized action plan.
- Our team at Antelope Recovery takes the reins, crafting the perfect recovery plan for your teen.
- Work the program through to completion! We offer continued post-treatment support through our alumni and services network.
Invest in the Best Care for Your Teen
Personalized Care
We customize your teenager’s treatment plan and weekly schedule to ensure they are on the most effective path to recovery.
Home-Based Recovery
Our virtual IOP allows teens to practice therapeutic skills in the comfort of their own homes, integrating healing into their daily lives.
Experienced Providers
Our team brings years of expertise and understanding to every therapy session or group, ensuring your teen receives top-tier care.
Continuous Improvement
We’re pioneers in the field of teen mental health, using data to drive innovation and enhance services for our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Absolutely! We understand that family plays a vital role in a teen’s recovery. Alongside individual treatment, we offer family therapy sessions to foster communication and understanding. These sessions are aimed at creating a supportive environment where family members can work together toward shared goals and healing.
We also have a support program for parents, which is included as part of our IOP. There’s no denying that your leg in the journey can be just as trying as what your teen is experiencing — and communication breakdowns don’t help either party. We’re here to be a supportive force and equip you with skills to effectively help your teen through this struggle.
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The cost of Antelope Recovery’s intensive care for substance abuse is tailored to meet the specific needs and schedules of each family. Given the wide range of over 20 distinct service and appointment types we offer, which vary in cost from $50 to $200 per hour, establishing an exact cost upfront without a detailed understanding of your situation is not feasible. Our focus is on developing a personalized care plan that not only addresses your unique requirements but also maintains affordability.
To support accessibility, we accept several insurance options:
- Medicaid
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Kaiser
- UnitedHealthcare
- Mountain Strong EAP
- Signal BHN
- Aetna
- Cigna
For families whose insurance plans are not currently among those we accept, we strive to ensure that cost is not a barrier to receiving care. We may offer scholarships and flexible financing options, underlining our commitment to providing necessary support to every teen in need.
Prosper Healthcare Lending is also a valuable resource for those in search of additional financial assistance for their child’s care. Moreover, we recommend that families seeking insurance reimbursement consult with an insurance advocate. This can aid in navigating the claims process more effectively and help maximize your insurance benefits.
Our goal is to simplify the care process as much as possible, ensuring that every teen can access the substance use care they require. For a more comprehensive discussion regarding costs, insurance coverage, and available financial assistance, please reach out to our admissions team.
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Yes, virtual mental health care has proven to be a powerful tool in treating substance abuse. For teens who have tried therapy and other options before with no success, at-home treatment offers a comfortable and effective alternative. Because many triggers for teens occur at home or school, having support that can be with the kids in those environments fighting fires alongside the teenager is critical for effective recovery.
Virtual care options have opened access for people across the state of Colorado, allowing teens in rural or remote areas access to intensive outpatient care without the long drive. Remote treatment has a higher graduation rate than in-person care, and we’ve found that teens who get help in their everyday environment have more success in practicing and applying their new skills in their daily lives.
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We recognize that substance abuse often comes with underlying mental health issues. If a teen struggles to cope with the symptoms of a mental illness, they may turn to drugs and alcohol. Alternatively, some teens may experiment with substances and become addicted or develop a co-occurring issue as a result. The two most common co-occurring disorders with substance use are ADHD and PTSD, and we have comprehensive strategies to support the healing of those issues alongside substance use recovery.
Whatever the case, for a teen to make a full and lasting recovery from substance abuse, we believe it’s critical to address the issue from all angles. Our specialized therapists work to treat both the addiction and any co-occurring disorders concurrently.
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Antelope Recovery offers a specialized approach for treating teen substance abuse, focusing on both the addiction itself and any co-occurring mental health disorders. Through contingency management programs, group therapy, peer mentorship, virtual therapy sessions and coordination with medical staff, we provide comprehensive care. Our programs are personalized to meet the unique needs of each teen, integrating targeted interventions that address the root of the problem. We are not a 12-step program and utilize primarily motivational interviewing, ACT, and community interventions.
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Virtual mental health care has proven to be highly effective for teens. In addition to efficacy, virtual care offers increased accessibility, flexibility, and comfort — allowing teens in any part of Colorado to access intensive outpatient services.
Our therapists are skilled in utilizing virtual platforms to create engaging and therapeutic connections, and our virtual intensive program emphasizes integrating healing into everyday life. We also provide a user-friendly dashboard that allows you to easily navigate your teen’s care and access information on payments, treatment notes, and more.
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The duration of treatment at Antelope Recovery is tailored to the individual needs and progress of each teen. Typically, our IOP lasts between 4 to 12 weeks and OP lasts anywhere from 1 to 12 months.
Depending on your teen’s unique needs, they can spend anywhere between three to five hours a day in sessions and other structured activities. Whether short-term or long-term, our treatment’s length is aimed at supporting meaningful, lasting change, and we remain committed to providing ongoing support for as long as it’s needed.
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Partner With Us for Your Teen’s Recovery
Empower your teen and strengthen your family with our innovative and compassionate approach to recovery. Schedule your free 15-minute consultation now, and let’s begin your teen’s journey to recovery today.
