Historically, substance abuse was mostly seen as a man’s ailment, but that’s because women were always excluded from studies. It turns out that women (and young girls) are just as likely to get addicted to drugs and alcohol as men are, which means your teenage daughter is at risk. If she’s already showing signs of an addiction, don’t panic and don’t blame her—there are treatment programs that can help.
The Gender Gap in Addiction
Studies cited by Addiction Center have found that while men and boys are more likely to abuse substances and become addicts, women and girls are more likely to suffer severe consequences from an addiction. Harvard Medical School suggests that the differences between genders are affected by biological differences, with research showing that female drug and alcohol users are more susceptible to overdoses, organ damage, and intense cravings that can lead to relapse.
Experts from Clearfork Academy in Texas, which specializes in teen addiction treatment, emphasize that teenage girls are at especially high risk of developing long-term health issues due to substance abuse and addiction, making timely interventions important for recovery.
Helping Your Daughter Recover Safely
Getting a teen through addiction is easier said than done, but it is possible, especially if you have the right help. Rehab programs designed specifically for teens are recommended, as addictions are often accompanied by co-occurring mental health disorders that require professional therapy to properly address. Additionally, many substances can cause severe and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, necessitating 24/7 monitoring for severe addictions.
“Sending a teen to an adolescent drug and alcohol rehab center could save their life, as treatment can potentially help reverse the damage any substances have caused to their brain and body. In addition, rehab can help the teenager by providing them with the skills and emotional support they need to regain control of their lives,” explains a spokesperson for Clearfork Academy.
What Treatment Looks Like
But what are these treatments like? Well, most rehab programs will look different depending on the patient and the provider, but they’ll usually begin with a medically supervised detox to help patients safely withdraw from drugs or alcohol. Once the patient has succeeded, they will progress to residential treatment, which consists of daily therapy sessions with evidence-based modalities and family counseling.
Many programs also offer a holistic component to treatment. This may include the opportunity to participate in sports, music, art, and other recreational programs, as well as outdoor activities. These activities are intended to help patients learn how to express themselves and develop healthier coping skills to foster long-term recovery.
Clearfork Academy
info@clearforkacademy.com
+1-888-430-5149
7820 Hanger Cutoff Road
Fort Worth
TX
76135
United States
