Newport Academy

Teen Rehab for Cocaine Addiction

Although cocaine use among teenagers in the United States is down from figures culled during recent decades, it is still a serious problem for those young people unlucky enough to come in contact with this dangerous, highly addictive drug.

Identifying if a Teen Needs Cocaine Rehab

There are a number of tell tale signs and symptoms that a teen may need cocaine rehab.   Every parent who is concerned that their child may be using drugs should be aware of the following classic signs of cocaine abuse:

• Stealing money/needs money. Cocaine is an expensive drug. The teenager may need to steal money to support his habit - or may ask friends and family members to borrow a significant amount of money on a regular basis.
• Sniffling/itchy nose. One of the classic symptoms of cocaine abuse is nasal irritation, usually typified by itching of the nose or a constant running nose.
• Mood swings. Cocaine can lead people to the highest highs and the lowest lows. Watch for significant mood swings in the individual where once there was stability.
• Manic episodes. A cocaine rush can leave people feeling as if they can accomplish anything. Manic behavior is a common result of the stimulant effects of cocaine.
• Poor performance at school. As the cocaine addiction grows, the teen is likely to put everything on hold in the name of obtaining more and more of the drug. This can lead to a drop in attendance or grades rather quickly.

What Happens During Teen Cocaine Addiction Treatment?

Once you have identified that the teen does indeed have a cocaine abuse or addiction problem, it is important to get them into a teen drug rehab program as soon as possible.    Understanding what exactly goes on in these programs can help prepare the child for what is to come, and help parents allay their fears about the facility.

There are three major components to teen cocaine addiction treatment:  detox, counseling and aftercare.

• Cocaine detox. Although cocaine addiction is seen primarily as a psychological condition, there is still a physical component to the disease. This is addressed through detoxification, where the individual ceases the intake of cocaine so that their body can rid itself of the harmful toxins found in the drug.
• Cocaine addiction counseling. This is where real change happens. Cocaine addiction counseling at teen drug rehab helps the young person understand the root causes of her condition - and teaches her how to make better decisions about drug use moving forward. The most common types of counseling at teen rehab are individual, group and family therapy.
• Aftercare. Aftercare helps the teen maintain her sobriety in the weeks, months and years following treatment. Aftercare can take on a number of different forms, including 12-step group meetings (such as Narcotics Anonymous), follow-up counseling at the facility or residence at a teen sober living home.