Teenagers’ lives have many facets. They interact with family and friends, go to school and participate in a variety of activities. When they come into a treatment program, substance abuse is only one issue that must be considered.
Assessment
All clients are evaluated in multiple areas to determine their specific needs. Young adult clients (ages 12 to 21) may be placed in an Outpatient or Residential setting, for short or long-term, based upon this in−depth assessment of each person’s needs.
Fundamentals and Stages
Our Young Adult treatment programs are based on the therapeutic community concept, which combines the elements of a family−based structure and positive role models with individual and group counseling, medical and mental health services, and recreational activities. All needs of the clients are addressed, using a range clinical tools and activities. Supplemental services include Family Therapy, Art Feelings and Music Workshops, and spiritual opportunities. Counselors draw from a range of specialized groups and seminars to address the specific needs of each client, and additional supportive services are devoted to the particular issues faced by our young women.
There are three stages to the programs − Entry, where assessments take place; Primary, which is the main body of treatment; and Re−entry or Aftercare, where clients gradually move back toward a mainstream lifestyle with family, local school, friends and activities.
School and Family
Education is a crucial part of the Daytop program. One of the first signs of substance abuse for teens is seen in their performance in academics and school activities. Students frequently fall behind in their studies, and feel they will never catch up.
A teenager using drugs has to affect the family, and communication among family members will change as a teen recovers. Family involvement is an important part of the treatment process, and attendance at family support groups is highly encouraged
Young Adult Outpatient Program
Keeping the family unit together is the ideal, and if after assessment it is deemed likely that a teen will respond to the Outpatient Program, he or she may attend an Outreach center for treatment, located in or near the communities where they live. The Primary stage of the Daycare program entails full−day attendance, and includes all the clinical counseling and groups of the therapeutic community model, as well as on−site educational and recreational events.
Services
Outreach centers provide the same clinical programs as our residential centers, on a less intensive basis. In addition to group and individual counseling sessions, Treatment services include Family Therapy, Art Feelings Workshops, a music program, young women’s programs, and other supportive services. These are included in a client’s treatment plan if they are indicated from the individual’s assessment.
Aftercare
After completing the Primary stage, clients move on to the Aftercare phase in which they return to their neighborhood high schools, begin college, or start working. They continue to attend counseling and support groups at the Daytop center in the afternoon or evening. Counselors assist teens as they re−integrate with school and old friends, and encourage them in reaching new goals.
Young Adult Residential Program
All Adolescent Residential campuses are completely separate from those for adults. For the teen Residential program, the Entry phase may begin at their local Outreach center, or may all take place at the residential campus. Assessments determine the length of the individualized program, which can range from 3 to 12 months. Residential centers provide in−depth, full time exposure to a structured lifestyle and positive peers.
Services
The Core Treatment curriculum integrates clinical, educational, social, and recreational activities. Family involvement is highly encouraged through all stages of treatment.
Medical and mental health services, Family Therapy, Art Feelings Workshops, a Music program, Young Women’s seminars, spiritual opportunities and other supportive services are available at these centers. All residential sites have facilities for recreation and exercise, which are an essential part of a healthy life.
Re−entry
Adolescents may move on to Re−entry on a residential basis before moving home and attending the local Outreach center there for Aftercare. This is determined by the teen’s home situation and legal status. Although still on the same campus, adolescents in residential Re−entry live in a separate unit. Their groups reflect this new stage of recovery, focusing on adapting to living drug−free in their home environments, relapse prevention, and socializing skills. If they have not completed their education, they continue to attend school. Those who have received their high school diploma or GED may begin a vocational program or take college courses. As they progress through Re−entry they go home more often and participate in community activities, which may include vocational classes, recreation, church programs, and 12 Step meetings.