Addressing the Unique Needs of Adolescent Males & Females in Addiction Treatment

 The Palm Beach Institute offers an Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Program developed specifically for males and females aged 12-17. The program treats young men and women as unique individuals with separate needs by creating a treatment plan that is tailored to their specific requirements. While the primary focus is on achieving recovery, other issues are addressed such as mental health, behavioral problems, cross-addictions, low self-esteem, anger management and family dysfunction.

The Palm Beach Institute understands the special needs of the adolescent and brings to this new program the same treatment approach outlined in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) "Treatment Improvement Protocol" outlined below. It is the goal of The Palm Beach Institute to reach out to the community of young men and women who suffer from the disease of addiction and help them learn a new way of life while assisting families dealing with children who are substance dependent.

The following is a Summary of Key Points from SAMHSA’s Treatment Improvement Protocol on the Treatment of Adolescents with Substance Abuse Disorders.

• Adolescent substance use often stems from different causes than for adults. In treatment, adolescents must be approached differently from adults because of developmental issues, differences in values and belief systems, environmental considerations such as strong peer influences, and educational requirements.
• Treatment approaches should also account for age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, family structure, cognitive and social development, and readiness for change. Younger adolescents have different developmental needs than older adolescents, and treatment approaches should be developed appropriately for different age groups.
• Treatment should involve family members because family history may play a role in the origins of the problem and successful treatment cannot take place in isolation.
• Treatment providers should have specific training in the principles of adolescent development, and treatment programs should avoid mixing adult clients with adolescent clients.

Academics for Teens  

It is important to us that our residents do not fall behind in school while in treatment and remain on track for graduation. Each resident attends our on-site school for a few hours each morning. Our school facilitator helps residents learn a variety of academic subjects from our on-line curriculum. If the resident chooses to participate in the on-line curriculum, they will work on a variety of coursework from the extensive core curriculum library. Teens also have the option to bring current coursework from their home school. Our residents are supported and guided through the various subjects required.