The Betty Ford Family Program Saved My Life!

I know that my parents had a really hard time sending me to teen drug and alcohol rehab. They shared with me later that they had felt like they had somehow failed as parents and that my drug and alcohol abuse was somehow their fault. I have met a lot of drug addicts in the last few years and I have come to the conclusion that while nurture may play a part in things, nature is also heavily responsible. My parents were great. My home life was great. I was given a great foundation and yet I became a drug addict. I had a genetic predisposition to alcoholism and addiction. I don’t think it would have mattered what they gave me; something in me craved a way to change the way I felt inside. I don’t know what created that feeling. I don’t particularly care. What I care about is focusing on the solution.
When I was in treatment, my parents took the advice of Visions’ counselors and sought help for themselves and they attended the family program at Betty Ford in Palm Springs. My insanity put a great deal of strain on my family and it was vital that they took care of themselves too. I had run my parents ragged with the fear and guilt and anger that saturated our relationship. I terrorized them. They went to counseling and learned to create strong boundaries with me. At first I was angry and resistant, but now I see that they had to protect themselves from my insanity. My parents are stronger today, and so am I. Our relationship is deeper and stronger than most of my peers and their parents’ bonds. I broke the trust in my family and it has been up to me to build it back. It was a long and sometimes painful process for all of us, but today it is clear that it all grew from love. I have an amazing family, and they think I’m an amazing kid. I am so grateful for what we share today, and that they were there to help me on this journey. Please click here for more information about teen drug rehab.

Teen Drug Rehab in Malibu

When I went to teen drug treatment , most of my friends thought I either went to hell or went on vacation. I think they either imagined me digging trenches and staring at walls or having a blast riding horses and getting massages at the beach. It wasn’t like either of those things. I did learn how to manage my time though, which has turned out to be an unexpected benefit of going to treatment. I watch a lot of my peers struggling to get everything done, and a lot of them resort to drinking and taking pills like adderall or vyvanse to get through finals week or to finish a bajillion college applications. Some of the things I learned in treatment I learned without realizing. For instance, I learned how to recognize priorities and to set and stick with a game plan. I know that nothing is worth using over, and in order to keep myself from losing my mind, it’s imperative that I create a manageable workload and schedule. I can recognize my boundaries today. I know how much work I am capable of, and what I am able to do without going off the deep end. I also know how to put my head down and work. I know that uncomfortable feelings pass and that sometimes life is just challenging. I thought that teen drug rehab in Malibu was just going to help me get off drugs (which it did) but it also helped me learn valuable life skills that I use daily.

The Mocha Lisa

Mocha Lisa was created during The Rocks Aroma Festival, in Sydney, Australia. It took 8 people three hours to complete as well as 3,604 cups of coffee and 564 pints of milk. That's a whole lot of caffeine.

The 20ft by 13ft replica of Leonardo da Vinci’s La Gioconda was created by adding various amounts of milk to the cups of coffee.

If you or a loved one needs help please contact us at adolescent drug treatment.

Successful Teen Drug Treatment

I am simply overcome with gratitude this week. This week I have five years clean. When I was new, getting five years clean seemed like the most impossible thing, but somehow, it just kind of happened anyway. One night, Visions Adolescent Drug Treatment Center took me to a 12-step meeting, and suddenly staying clean seemed possible. I had been to many meetings before, but this one had something special: my first sponsor. She was speaking that night and said something that I will never forget. She said that she sticks around for the too-skinny, awkward young girls that come to meetings. I thought, “Well, I’m an awkward, too-skinny girl.” For whatever reason, the idea that someone might actually be waiting around to help a girl like me made me feel like I had a chance. It even made me think that if I were to by chance stay clean as an adolescent, I might even get to stick around for the too-skinny awkward girls that come through the door.
Tonight I got to celebrate my five years clean and sober at that meeting. Suddenly, standing in front of everyone there, I was overcome with gratitude and I was hit with the idea that, “Holy crap, I actually stayed clean.” I hated it, but I burst into tears in front of everyone there. I used to cry because I wanted help and felt so incredibly desperate. I cried because I wanted to die. Tonight, I cried because my life is so good and I sometimes can’t believe that I am free from active adolescent addiction. It seemed like such an impossible thing to do when I first walked into teen drug treatment, but by following the suggestions given to me there, I am now able to stick around for all the awkward, too-skinny, drug-addicted adolescent girls from Palo Alto that come into recovery today. If you would like help please click here struggling Teen.

Is My Child Abusing ADHD Medication?

It is reported that calls to poison-control centers in Orange County regarding teens misusing ADHD medication rose 76% . Around 42% of the adolescents suffered from moderate to severe side effects, and of the calls, four teens died as a result of misusing ADHD medications. Opiates are not the only medications teens are abusing. Adderall, Concerta, and Ritalin are all ADHD medications that act as stimulants. Many teens abuse these medications in order to achieve a “speedy” effect. The pills may make teens feel like they are more focused or confident.
I began abusing ADHD medication when I began to feel too much pressure in school. I thought that the pills would make me study better or help me stay up and finish reports. When I was on the pills, I felt like I was brilliant and everything made sense. Unfortunately, that feeling didn’t translate into my school work, and I certainly didn’t retain information the next day. I often felt tired and irritable following a pill binge. I began snorting them to get the effect faster. As I began to need more and more stimulants, I turned to cocaine and speed because they were stronger and cheaper. After awhile, my original intent of using the drugs to achieve more in school fell aside and my newest priority was to just get high. I went from an A student to ditching class to get high with my friends. My whole life revolved around using.
When my parents found out, we tried several different outpatient counselors but I just kept using. When they were at their wits’ end, and I was confident I would never stop using, they contacted Visions Adolescent Drug Treatment Center.
It seemed really harsh to me to have to get sent away to drug treatment, but it was exactly what I needed. I learned to deal with my feelings and learned how to manage my time effectively. I realized that I’m a really competent person and I don’t need stimulants to feel like I’m worth something. Learn how to stay clean, one day at a time, that’s just what I’m doing.

Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami Cocaine Incident

During a recent airing of Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami, Khloe Kardashian finds an alleged vial of cocaine in a dressing room and later takes it out and pretends to snort it on air. There is a minor freakout and Khloe later pours the coke down the toilet. Apparently, there is a lot of cocaine addiction in Miami. Ugh. It really annoys me when drugs are used as a prop to create a stir, and then the incident is dismissed as a silly little thing. Cocaine is a really big deal and joking about it and treating it like it’s nothing sends a really messed up message to viewers. Seeing she already has a DUI gracing her record, and in the past has been an advocate for drug and alcohol awareness, I wish the show could have put a more constructive spin on the presence of cocaine rather that one fueled purely by the need for more ratings.
Teen drug abuse is an unwavering problem and more awareness of the perils of drug abuse and the promises of recovery might inspire more teens to attempt recovery. Cocaine abuse is a very real problem that should be taken seriously. It’s not a funny little substance you pull from your handbag and make a joke about. It can ruin lives. I can’t imagine having to go through my addiction and early recovery with the press watching my every move, but I think it can be beneficial when a celebrity can acknowledge how bad drugs can be and offer hope to those that might look up to them. If reality shows won’t do it, then I will. Recovery exists. If you are a teen struggling with substance abuse, or your child is struggling, help and sobriety can be your reality, so please contact teen drug and alcohol treatment.

Mexico Decriminalizes Drugs and Mandates Treatment

Mexico decriminalized small-quantity drug possession this week and required that people who have been arrested three times for drug offenses be mandated into treatment. The country is also providing free addiction treatment to anyone who wants it. I admire Mexico for focusing on the bigger problems like the drug cartels and working to treat and help addicts rather than punish them.
Teen drug Treatment gave me a chance to change my life and address my addiction problem. I knew that using wasn’t working out well for me but I didn’t know how to stay stopped when I tried to stop using. I hope that with all of the attention that has been given to our country’s drug problem lately that more people will learn about the benefits of drug treatment programs. I had only heard about rehab on television- I had no idea that such a place existed for teens like me.
I didn’t know that I would get to have good food and actually have a good time while I learned how to live without using drugs. I thought I had been given a pretty grim life sentence of abstinence from drugs when in fact I was shown that living without drugs can actually be really enjoyable. I got to meet other people who had changed their lives and were having a blast in recovery. I am so glad that my parents helped me find a good adolescent treatment program, and that I gave it a chance. Old Mexico or new Mexico I don’t know where my life in would be today without it, but it certainly wouldn’t be this good.

Troubled Teen Introduced On "The Closer"

The Closer, starring Emmy-nominated Kyra Sedgwick as Brenda, has introduced a new character this season- a troubled teen niece. Charlie (the niece)is the troubled teen who has been flown out to Los Angeles to stay with her Aunt Brenda because her parents are at their wits’ end. She has been acting out and has already gotten into trouble with drug use. Last week’s episode had Charlie receiving drugs in the mail from her friend back home. Brenda’s husband, Fritz, freaks out because a) he is an FBI agent and b) he is sober in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous and having drugs in his home is not something he will tolerate.
I am curious to see how the show will handle Charlie’s issues. As of right now, none of the characters on the show feel like they can help Charlie, which is how many parents of teen drug addicts feel. She is irritable and secretive and clearly struggling with drug abuse. Of course I’m thinking, “I know that game…send her to Visions!” It will be interesting to see if they address the issue of addiction head-on. I think it would be a great venue to promote the idea of teenage recovery and treatment. There are plenty of shows that depict troubled teens, but none that show treatment and recovery for teens. I would love to see Charlie get a chance at recovery, so that the average American might see that teen recovery is entirely plausible. If your teen is struggling with adolescent substance abuse and you feel at your wits’ end, there is help available. No one has to deal with teen addiction alone.

Faces of Meth

This is a slide show of graphic evidence of the amazingly devastating affects of crystal meth even over a short period of time. Imagine what it does to the young adolescent brain?

My teen needs drug treatment

Adolescent Drug Treatment Alumni Softball Game

This last Sunday was a great day for meeting up with old friends and celebrating our collective gift of recovery at my Adolescent Drug Treatment Center Alumni softball game. Staff and past residents competed for glory while sharing our common bonds and this year, for the first time ever- clients beat the staff! Yay! It was such a blast to see staff members who had made such a difference in my early recovery experience and to see other residents who had shared the beginnings of the recovery journey with me. It was truly inspirational to see all of the young people who had benefited from Treatment and to hear about the awesome things they are doing with their lives now that they have escaped the perils of adolescent addiction.
Keeping in touch with my treatment center has been part of the unique recovery experience I received there. Being in adolescent drug treatment is a fairly sheltered experience; you don’t have the constant temptation of being exposed to drugs and alcohol. You are separated and safe in early recovery. The gradual transition from teen inpatient treatment to the adolescent outpatient program allows for a “soft landing” upon entering the outside world again; you are back in the world, but with a strong sense of structure and support. As teen outpatient treatment phases out, the program is still a supportive and loving force. Alumni activities allow ex-residents a chance to celebrate their new freedom while sharing their hope with current residents. When I was in treatment, seeing ex-residents having fun in adolescent recovery and enjoying a full life inspired me to embrace what the program offered. Who wants to be stuck in teen drug treatment? I wanted what they had and I worked for it! So even with my massive sunburn, I am so grateful for the fun had yesterday in celebrating my teen recovery- and our recovery. I can’t wait to see who’s joined us next time. Teens do recover, and we’re doing it together.

Bam Margera's suspected "overdose"

Medical sources report Bam Margera's suspected "overdose" was a legitimate case of dehydration?

Margera was in the middle of a 4-day drinking binge to drown his marital sorrows when he was rushed to the hospital after his wife Missy learned the Jackass star had taken an Ambien on top of all the booze, according to Margera's mom.

Mixing Benzodiazepams like Ambien, Xanax, Valume...with alcohol is extremely dangerous and often results in overdose but apparently not for Bam.

Bam says he managed to damage his kidney and leg muscles from not keeping sufficiently hydrated or nourished while drinking.

Margera has returned home from the hospital after getting the green light from a psychiatrist and claims he's in "good health."

Might wanna lay off the booze, though! or you he may need to fallow his cast mate Stevo into recovery.

For more information about Visions please click here teen drug treatment

Adolescent Outpatient In Newport Beach

Last night my friend and I went to a party to celebrate our friend’s tenth anniversary in recovery. She got clean when she was fifteen in adolescent outpatient in Newport Beach and has stayed clean since. It is really inspiring to see someone get clean at the agethat we did and to actually stay clean. Sometimes it is easy for me to tell myself that I was just going through a phase and that I was as an adolescent too young to be an addict or alcoholic, but I think that since I needed all of that help at such a young age, it’s not likely that my life would have gotten better if I hadn’t gotten clean.
Getting clean young can seem like a death sentence, but seeing people who have stayed clean and had their lives improve helps me maintain hope. Sometimes people in 12 step meetings or my old friends made me feel uncomfortable about how young I was when I got clean, but since I was there to save my life, it didn’t matter what they thought. Having a strong support group and recovering friends in my age group really helped me feel like I wasn’t alone and that I was doing the right thing.
Watching my friend celebrate her tenth anniversary clean and sober reminded me of my own commitment to recovery after adolescent drug treatment. I was definitely reluctant at first, but in teen outpatient treatment in Newport Beach, I was introduced to other young people trying to turn their lives around and it started to seem like a doable thing. I love my life in sobriety today, and no one can take it away from me. I feel lucky that I got clean so young, and that I didn’t have to waste half of my life in active addiction. I have a fresh start, and a chance to tackle life with some really useful tools.

f your teen is struggling with drug and alcohol abuse, they can have a fresh start too. Please contact us today.

Adolescent Drug Treatment in Manhattan Beach

A 20-year study has concluded that abstinence from alcohol rather than controlled drinking has proven to be the most beneficial method of recovery for alcoholics. It makes sense to me. When I first entered adolescent drug rehab, it made sense to me that I should probably stop using drugs, but alcohol? I wasn’t even old enough to drink legally. I wondered what I would do when I went to college, or turned 21, or got married. What would I drink on New Year’s Eve? How would I ever have a normal life? Some of my friends and family shared similar concerns. Not even a glass of wine at dinner? None of Nana's famous eggnog? The decision to remain completely abstinent from alcohol and drugs was made after I realized in adolescent drug treatment that it didn’t matter what the substance was. If everything was taken away from me, I got creative and abused over-the-counter medications and inhalants that I could find around the house. If left to my own devices, I found myself taking heroin and nearly dying.

Understanding the root of my addiction helps me to make the decision to remain abstinent one day at a time. I know that if I were to drink, all of the work I’ve done will go out the window, and let me tell you- that work was painful and difficult, so I’m not going to just toss my progress away! It is rare that I encounter a situation where I feel like I wish I was drinking. In my age group now, my peers in Manhattan Beach still like to binge drink, and that never looks good to me. I don’t want to puke on my shoes anymore, you know? In day to day life, I feel proud of my teen recovery. I don’t tell everyone I know about it. Many people think that maybe what I went through was just a phase and that I’m being dramatic. It doesn’t matter what they think. I learned in teen drug treatment to put my recovery first, no matter what. I have watched peers relapse and end up worse than when they started, and I don’t want to trade the life I have now for a life of shame, guilt, and puking on my shoes.

I don’t worry anymore about what my life will be like without alcohol. I worry about what it would be like with alcohol. I continue to take the steps to protect my sobriety that I learned in adolescent rehab. I stay connected with my support group. I attend 12-step meetings. I don’t spend an unnecessary amount of time around alcohol and I don’t hang out with people who are using drugs. Sometimes these decisions make me feel awkward, but I can deal with awkward. I will take awkward any day over the despair and hopelessness I felt when I was drinking and using. Teen drug and alcohol treatment gave me an opportunity to honestly look at the destructive force drugs and alcohol were in my life, and showed me a new way to live, one day at a time.

For more information about Visions please click here teen drug treatment

Adolescent Drug Treatment

Teens with drug problems come from all walks of life; they aren't just the teenage runaways depicted in Lifetime movies as I'd originally thought. Teens develop drug problems for a number of reasons- my daughter's competitive nature seemed to be what initially led her down the path of drug and alcohol abuse. I was the last person to suspect that my daughter was a drug user. On the outside, she was a perfect student. She excelled in school, taking all honors classes, and was the star of the track and volleyball teams. I often wondered how she could get it all done. She never got into trouble and seemed pretty happy at school. I knew my daughter was extremely hard on herself. Her weight began to drop and she seemed increasingly edgy and irritated. I chalked it all up to the stresses of high school and teen angst and tried to talk to her more. Her withdrawing from the family seemed like something teens do- I didn't want to smother her. I tried to be more lenient with her. She was such a good student I never suspected she was up to anything dangerous.

One night I heard a crash in her room. I found her sitting on the floor sobbing. I asked her what was wrong and she just cried and cried. It was a heartbreaking thing, to not be able to fix what was hurting her. I don't know what possessed her to tell me, but finally she just blurted out that she had a problem with pills and couldn't stop. I was floored. It was hard not to get angry with her, because I felt so scared, but at the same time, I didn't want to discourage her from talking to me. I guess she'd put so much pressure on herself to be the best at everything she eventually became a candidate for teen drug treatment turned to stimulants like Adderral to help her preform and downers like Xanax to take the stress away. As she opened up to me that night, I was horrified to learn what she was putting herself through. I promised we would get help, but I had no idea what to do for her. Sitting there on the floor, holding my sobbing daughter, I felt as terrified as she did.

I had heard of Visions through a coworker, but had never thought much of it, since I didn't think I'd ever need that information. They were amazingly helpful and understanding. It was hard leaving her there, but the weekly family sessions helped me work on myself so that I could help my daughter. She just blossomed there. Instead of being the rigid girl I knew who was so incredibly tough on herself, I began to see a girl who took care of herself and could respect her own limitations. As my daughter worked on herself, I learned ways to help support my daughter's new sobriety. She isn't a bad kid because she did drugs. She's a fantastic kid. She always has been. Visions Adolescent Drug Treatment Center just helped her realize that.

For more information about Visions please click here teen drug treatment

I'm Doing God's Work

I'm a recovering addict and I've been clean for five years now. I've had the honor and privilege of working with the Visions family for three years. On most days, being able to work in teen drug treatment is one of the blessings of my recovery. However, working with adolescent addicts, alcoholics and drug abusers can be as challenging as it is rewarding.
A friend of mine recently passed on. His name was Bobby and he died with 34 years clean in Narcotics Anonymous. He shared with me that he'd been working in drug treatment since he had one year clean and he had loved it just as much in the end as he had in the beginning. His enthusiasm for helping people never died. He ended up touching many lives because of this.
Rarely, after a really long, trying day of work, I sometimes wonder why I'm not in an office job wearing heels and pearls. It's then that I think of dear Bobby, and how every time I saw him, he'd wink at me and tell me I'm doing God's work. I'm reminded that the important jobs take actual "work;" that's why we call it that. I then remember who I am and what I stand for and I know that I'd never want it any other way.
I may not believe in "God" (don't worry, I have a higher power), but I want more than anything else to do his work. Thanks for the reality check, Bobby. Rest in peace.

-Laurel
-Visions Adolescent Treatment Center

Letter From a Father

December 14, 2007

Dear Visions Staff,

I am writing to thank you for your efforts with my son, Chris. He has been home for a month now and is doing so well. When I say "doing so well" I am not just talking about getting back in school, following his treatment plan and being SO much easier to get along with, although all of these things are true. What I mean is that he is doing well and he really wants to do well. His perspective on his life and his desire to build a future of possibility based on the work of today is inspiring.

His understanding of his challenges as an addict in recovery and what that means seems deep seated; he is going to NA meetings and calling his sponsor daily, he has a home group and a service commitment in it, he attended an H&I meeting so he can help other kids once he has 6 months. He has been doing all these things without much prompting from me. He seems to accept that all of the privileges he had will come back in the fullness of time, believe me patience was not a hallmark of Chris' behavior in the past, he has not pressed me or had a fit of temper since coming home.

He started classes back at school this week, and we are, of course, still doing IOP treatment, that meant that on several days he had school from 8-3:15, IOP from 4-6 and then asked to go to a meeting from 7-8, got home and then did his homework! He has not complained (okay, maybe a little whine, but not much) he said "this is just what I have to do now, it won't last forever". He only has a few more weeks on the IOP (two hour groups, three times a week) and we will scale back to one individual session a week. The regular NA meetings we know will just become a part of a clean and sober life style.

I do not know what the future will bring, I understand that addiction can come back on us with a vengeance. My son’s life is his own now and he has a chance to meet it with a clear mind and the knowledge of his condition. He has a fighting chance. Visions delivered, I am so grateful. I am so happy to have my son back! Christmas is coming in a couple of weeks, I will not have to spend it wondering where my son is, or if he is safe; is there a better present? If there is ever anything we can do to help the continued realization of Visions' vision, please feel free to contact us.

I would be happy to talk with parents considering treatment for their children.

Alumni and Employee of the Same Drug Rehab

Being a tech

I thought that working at the teen drug treatment center visions would be easy when I first started working there because I am an alumni. I know what it's like to be an adolescent in treatment. However, it was more difficult than I thought. I had to tell the kids what to do and they did not always want to listen to me. Sometimes they saw me as just another kid who was just little bit older than they were. I learned to work being their age to my advantage. As time went on, I learned how to be of helpful and enforce the rules in a way they could understand me. They no longer rejected me because I was too young. The best thing I had going for me was that I was an alumni and that I could understand what they were going through because I had done the same things when I was a resident in teen drug treatment. After more and more time went by, I was able to gain the respect and trust of the residents. I was there to help and not boss them around.

Now that I have been working at Visions for a while, the problem never comes up about my age. I am older now. I've learned a lot through my work and life experience. I am glad that I don't have to be in teen drug treatment or go through that uncomfortable stage of my work experience anymore but if I had to do it all over again, I would!

My Life Today is Amazing

I never thought it would happen to me. I never thought that I’d become a teen addict. In fact, I never saw myself even touching drugs or alcohol. I’d watch my parents drinking and be disgusted by their behavior. I was a straight ‘A’ student, I was on the cross-country team, I played soccer, and I played the piano. In other words, I was your typical sweet and innocent “goody-two-shoes” kind of girl.
But, I grew up with the feeling that I never fit in. I always felt as if I was on the outside looking in. So, when I got to high school, I decided that I was going to become “popular” and do whatever I had to do to fit in. At the age of fifteen I was introduced to drugs for the first time. The first time I got high, I felt an utter sense of relief. I finally felt like I fit in; I felt like I was finally ‘a part of’. The drugs made me who I thought I always wanted to be. I could be loud and outgoing, I could dance, and I could be the life of the party. But, things went downhill, and they went downhill fast. By the age of sixteen I was dating a drug dealer and was in lost in this world of drugs. Soon, my life revolved around using. Everything else came second. By senior year, I was missing so much school, that I almost didn’t graduate high school.
Two months before graduation, I had gone into a drug-induced psychosis. Not knowing what was wrong with me, my parents took me to the emergency room. The next day, I began an outpatient program. It was at that treatment center where I learned about the disease of addiction, and I was able to admit that I was definitely an addict. But, at that age (I was seventeen at the time), I did not think I was ready to get clean. I had to go back out and use for another couple years before I came back and got sober. But, I am very grateful for what I learned in that teen treatment center, for had I not gone there, I don’t know if I ever would have realized the true extent of my problem.
I am twenty-two now and I’ve been sober for almost two years. Since then, my life has changed dramatically. I am able to handle my feelings without having to numb myself with drugs or alcohol. I am able to experience life the way it was meant to be experienced. I feel better about myself than I have ever felt in my entire life. Through being in recovery, I have been able to look at where my negative sense of self originated and have been able to heal from that and begin a new life. Today, I am back to being a good student. I got back into running and am working towards running a marathon. Not only have I picked up my old passions again, but I have also found new hobbies, such as painting, meditation, or hiking.
My life today is amazing, and it gets better as each day passes.

Working In teen Treatment

I have been working at Visions Adolescent Treatment Center for about one and half years. I began my career as a Program Aide at the residential facility, and am now a Classroom Supervisor at the intensive outpatient program. Visions has helped me learn much about teen addiction and the teen recovery process in both types of treatment setting.

At the residential treatment program my job was to supervise the teens, help them self-administer medicine, and assist them with daily activities (i.e. school work, lunch etc.) I would be with the teens at every waking moment… literally. It was very enjoyable yet stressful at times. Sometimes they showed lack of respect toward authority. However, for the most part they are all great kids. After talking with them, and learning much about teen addiction I began to understand their lack of respect and rebellious actions. To some of them we were “adopted parents” for lack of better words. Thus, we were the vectors for the kids anger. I suppose I would be on edge too if I lived in house with the 10 other teens, and had someone telling me what I could and could not do at all times. I began to further understand and respect then as time went on. I left the Visions residential program with a clear picture what it was like to live at teen treatment centers, and a almost clear view of what it is like to be a teen addict.

Currently, I work at one of the Visions teen intensive outpatient programs as a Classroom Supervisor. Here my job is to make sure the kids are working on things they are supposed to be and not looking at inappropriate things on-line, helping then with school work, and disciplining as necessary. I thoroughly enjoy working here, because I get to interact with the kids more. Here they have more freedom, and are able to live a more “normal” life, meaning they get to live at home, drink coffee, go on dates, etc. Generally speaking, they are in better moods here. Also, they appear more “real” here, and not doing/saying things just to escape the clutches is inpatient. I love seeing the kids grow and progress in the their recovery.

Being a witness to both sides of teen treatment centers has given me much insight and respect for teens who are suffering/recovering from teen drug addiction. I cannot imagine being addicted drugs as a teenager. The kids have given me a window into that world. Furthermore, the staff at Visions Adolescent Treatment Center are all great roll models for the kids, and 99.9% of the time calm, cool and collected dealing with any issues. I am pleased and honored to be working for such a remarkable establishment.

Growing Up as a Teen Drug Addict

Growing up with everything a kid could ever want. I never would have predicted I would become a teen drug addict and a teen alcoholic. I came from a good family and a sheltered environment. When things got rough at an early age I didn’t know how to deal with life. I turned to the one thing I promised myself I would never do, drugs. Some of my friends experimented with drugs and could stop. I was different. I couldn’t stop and I knew I had a problem. My problem rapidly began to tear me and my family apart and my parents sent me to teen rehab. They told me I was a drug addict. I didn’t believe it fit my criteria. I thought a drug addict had to be old or homeless. I was wrong. I learned what an addict was and I was told that I had to get sober, free of all substances. As a teenager I thought I was too young. All of my friends that were my age could take a sip of alcohol at a party and be fine, I couldn’t. This was devastating to me. At first I didn’t want to deal with having a different lifestyle than people my age, never being able to party again. But what I didn’t realize was that there was a large community of people my age doing the same thing. Hundreds of young people who were drug addicts and alcoholics getting sober, some of them had been thru teen drug treatment. All of us getting back on track and doing it together. At first it was hard and at times it still is. But, getting sober was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. I know I have endless opportunities ahead of me. Im the same as every other young person, I just don’t drink and use drugs.

Maggie F.

Salvia Divinorum Appears in Teen Drug Treatment

The use of Salvia Divinorum by teens entering teen drug treatment centers is becoming more common. Salvia Divinorum is a potent hallucinogen. Its effects on teen drug abusers have been compared to LSD. Salvia is a member of the sage family, and is a powerful psychoactive drug. Salvia can be chewed but is most commonly smoked as it produces a stronger effect. When smoked its effects last from five to ten minutes. "This shorter high is attractive to a teen that is trying to get high between classes or while in their bedroom..." Says a teen drug treatment client. This is a much shorter time span than other hallucinogens, but the effect has been described as having the same intensity. The effects of salvia range from a mild sense of wellbeing to a full on psychedelic trip that can cause a complete disconnection between the user and reality.
The surprising fact about Salvia is that it is one hundred percent legal in every country except Australia. This includes all US states. Because Salvia is legal it is commonly sold in cigar shops, all natural stores, and over the Internet. Salvia is also fairly cheap.This makes Salvia extremely accessible to teenagers. Teenagers are able to walk into the smoke shop and purchase this strong psychedelic drug with no imposing consequences. Because of these factors Salvia is extremely appealing to teens that cannot legally buy alcohol or do drugs.
While it is impossible to overdose on Salvia there are still many dangers involved in using the drug. Most teenagers smoke Salvia with marijuana making the act illegal. Salvia has also been known to cause depression post use. This was most highly publicized in the case of Brett Chidester, a 17-year-old student from Delaware, who reportedly killed himself after using Salvia. Although these risks do exist there has been no legislation passed to make Salvia illegal. This makes a dangerous drug available to teenagers everywhere. Tt is expected that the cases of young people entering teen drug treatment will rise as long as this drug is so readily available to them.

Teen Drug Treatment/ Anabolic Steroids

The teen sports world is not known for its teen drug abuse as it's high prevalence of Anabolic Steroid abuse. A report given by The National Institute of Drug Abuse says that about 1 in 20 high school athletes used steroids in 2001. Steroids are substances used to increase the amount of testosterone in the body, in turn enhancing
performance. Steroids increase protein synthesis and enhance anabolism, in the body. Steroids also stimulate bone growth, increase bone marrow and red blood cells. Anabolism results in the buildup of the body's cellular tissues.

Steroid use is associated with numerous negative side-effects. These side effects are liver disease, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stunted bone growth, kidney disease, aggression, impulsively, sterility, death, enlargement of female genitalia, deepening of voice, testicular shrinking, high blood pressure, increased libido and male breast growth. Also, steroids can cause the muscles to grow at a faster rate than the tendons can strengthen. The athlete can then lift more weight than their tendons or cartilage can support, causing damage to one or both. Depression is a common side effect of steroid abuse. In a study done in 2005, 20 percent of steroid abusers questioned suicide and 3 percent actually attempted it.

Most teen steroid abusers today, are known to be educated of all these negative
side effects. In another study, teen steroids abusers were asked why they still
use steroids even though they come with heavy consequences. The most common
responses were, “I have never personally encountered any negative side-effects
and believe the education is a scare tactic.” Scare tactic or not, the
consequences are real and denial will not prevent there occurrence. Despite
there illegality and dangers, steroids are a dark reality of today’s teen
athletes. Teen drug treatment centers have been seeing more anabolic steroid use in teens today.

Teens and Club Drugs

Teens and Club Drugs
A Rave is an all night party that originated in Europe in the 80's, making it over to the U.S. in the 90's and gaining popularity over the years. These underground parties will usually start at sundown and go until the sun comes up the next morning. They are attended mostly by teenagers. "Club drugs" are quite popular among teens who attend raves. Drugs such as Ecstasy (MDMA), LSD, methamphetamine, GHB, ketamine(Special K) and rohypnol are some of these club drugs.
These drugs are discreet, which makes teenagers especially vulnerable. The do not have to be smoked. They can simply be popped in pill form or concealed in any drink. Raves can be appealing to young people who have a hard time fitting in or low self-esteem because the rave culture promotes acceptance.
Ecstasy is just one of the popular club drugs of today. It can also be known as X, E, XTC, or Adam. It is taken in a pill form that causes an enhanced sense of self confidence and energy. However, its long term affects can be quite damaging. Repeated use may damage brain cells that produce serotonin.
Raves are not the only place these club drugs can be found. They have also become popular on middle school, high school, and college campuses. Many teenagers will refer to club drugs as "fun drugs." Most are under the false impression that they are not dangerous. They are wrong. Club drugs can produce irreversible long term affects and can even be fatal.

Drug Dealers Target Teen Crowd

Drug dealers have begun to put a new spin on Crystal Methamphetamine in hopes to appeal to a younger crowd. They are targeting teenagers with a new form of meth called “Strawberry Quick.” Strawberry Quick is crystal meth mixed with a powdered strawberry drink to give it a more appealing color and a sweet taste which makes the drug easier and less harsh to ingest. By changing the color and taste of meth and giving it a less intimidating name, drug dealers are hoping to continue to attract a younger population. Police have also noticed meth being mixed with a variety of candy, flavored soda and chocolate flavors.
Crystal meth is a powerful drug and can become very addicting whether it’s flavored or colored, or not. This is especially true among younger users.
Dealers have also come up with a new heroine to target younger users. “Cheese” heroin is a combination of black tar heroine and Tylenol pm. This drug is most popular among adolescents in Dallas. It has been linked to a number of overdose deaths among teens. It is said that “Strawberry Quick” and “Cheese” are perfect examples of how drug dealers are attempting to attract a younger client base. By changing the name, the color, or the flavor of crystal meth and heroine, they hope to make drugs seem less harmful.

Teen Drug and Eating Disorders

Most teen drug treatment professionals will agree that teens with eating disorders share risk factors with teens who abuse substances. They also say that there are shared characteristics in both addictions. Up to half the adolescents that have eating disorders abuse drugs and/or alcohol. It is said that 35% of teens who abuse drugs and alcohol have eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. Teens at risk for both addictions share risk factors including low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, an approval seeking personality, the tendency to be impulsive and are usually experiencing stress or a transition of some sort. Those suffering from co-occurring disorders like eating disorders combined with drug addiction often use caffeine, alcohol, laxatives, amphetamines, emetics, cocaine and heroin. These substances relieve anxiety and stress, may suppress ones appetite and rid the body of excess or unwanted calories. Characteristics in both might include chronic disease with a high rate of relapse, preoccupation with behaviors such as; using drugs, drinking, eating or not eating, secretiveness, rituals and compulsive behavior. The combination of both addictions may be life threatening and usually requires intensive treatment.Mental health professionals say that often times teen eating disorders and teen drug abuse go hand in hand.

In the Classroom of a Drug Treatment Center

In the Classroom of a Drug Treatment Center

How do you motivate an adolescent in a teen drug treatment center who has been removed from their familiar environment, and now faces 45-90 days in an unfamiliar in the treatment setting?
The answer isn't simple, as every adolescent struggling with substance abuse issues comes in with a different personality, needs, and academic strengths/weaknesses. There is one common denominator, however, which is: Once they see the purpose of school in the treatment setting and experience success, it all seems to make sense. Getting to this point takes hard work on the student’s part. They have to make a conscious decision to change their self-defeating habits. In order to make this transformation, they work with their therapist and counselor on their substance abuse, family and personal issues. Their teacher observes their behavior in the classroom, communicating any concerns with the clinical treatment team. Students are encouraged to make the most of their time in school and are rewarded with privileges and intrinsic rewards. Teens in residential treatment have responsibilities, goals are set, and they learn how to get organized. Layers of self-doubt begin to peel away. The cloudy haze of drug use dissolves into clarity. They realize that they can do things that they never thought possible. Where there was once only hopelessness despair and addiction, there is a future, with a high school diploma, college, a job, and finally, a career of their choice.

Teen Opiate Abuse

As professionals working in teen-drug-treatment-centers we see many adolescents coming into drug-treatment who have been abusing opiates. Opiates come from the Poppy plant. The Poppy plant produces a substance called opium. Many drugs that are being abused today by teens are made from Opium. Drugs like Oxycontin, Vicodine, Norco, Cheese and Heroin. Drugs like Oxy and Vicodine create a sense of well being, pleasure and a dream-like-state. There is a very high risk of addiction and overdose resulting in death for adolescent-drug-users.