• Residential Treatment Program for Teens 12-18

Substance Abuse

  • The Solstice Team
  • No Comments

Trauma‑Informed Schools: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Child Learn Again
Trauma‑Informed Schools: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Child Learn Again 1000 667 The Solstice Team
What this guide covers:
Trauma can make even a “good” school feel overwhelming for a child. This guide helps parents understand what a trauma-informed school actually looks like, why it’s often a better fit for kids who’ve been through hard things, how to tell when school isn’t enough, and when a therapeutic program like Solstice West RTC may be the right next step.
On this page

Trauma-Informed Schools & Therapeutic Programs: A Parent Guide

If your child has been through something hard—a serious accident, medical trauma, family violence, loss, or ongoing stress—school can suddenly feel like a minefield. You might see more stomachaches, school refusal, meltdowns over small changes, or calls from the nurse that “they just don’t feel well.”

It’s easy to wonder:
Is this just teen behavior… or is it a trauma response? Can school actually help?

This guide will help you:

  • Understand what a trauma-informed school is (and why it can be a better fit for kids with trauma)
  • Recognize how trauma shows up at school
  • Know when a therapeutic school may be needed
  • See how Solstice West RTC builds trauma-informed classrooms within a therapeutic program

Large national surveys show that about three in four U.S. high-school students report at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE), and nearly one in five report four or more—and higher ACE counts are strongly linked with mental-health symptoms and school-related risks like substance use and suicidality.

Teachers can build positive relationships with students and often notice changes in behavior.

Quick answer: What is a trauma-informed school?

A trauma-informed school is one where adults understand how stress and adversity affect learning and behavior, and use that knowledge to shape the entire environment. Core elements include:

  • Safety and trust (clear rules, predictable routines, emotionally safe staff)
  • Awareness of trauma and how it affects attention, emotions, behavior, and health
  • Strong relationships and co-regulation between adults and students
  • Student voice and choice in age-appropriate ways
  • Family partnership and culturally responsive practices

Behavior is seen as communication, not just “good” or “bad,” and responses focus on skill-building and avoiding re-traumatization instead of relying only on punishment.

Put simply, a trauma-informed school is designed so that a child’s nervous system can calm down enough to feel safe and learn.

Why trauma makes school so hard

Trauma can change how a child’s brain and body handle:

Even normal school environments can overwhelm a sensitized nervous system.

  • Attention and working memory
  • Sleep and energy levels
  • Emotion regulation and impulse control

National guidance notes that after trauma, many children struggle with concentration, become more easily startled, and are more likely to experience physical complaints and sleep disruption—all of which interfere with school tasks. 

In a busy school day with bells, crowds, tests, and social pressure, that can show up as:

  • Big reactions to small changes (a substitute teacher, a seating change)
  • Trouble starting or finishing multi-step tasks
  • Withdrawing from friends or refusing certain classes (presentations, PE)
  • Frequent visits to the nurse or calls home to be picked up

None of this means your child is broken or “just being difficult.” It usually means their body and brain are working extra hard to stay safe in an environment that feels unpredictable or overwhelming.

Children’s responses to trauma: emotional, behavioral, and physical

Major organizations like NIMH, SAMHSA, and CDC describe a wide range of normal responses after trauma, which can vary by age and may last for days to weeks. 

Emotional responses

Patterns of behavior can show deeper connection to trauma.

  • Increased fear, anxiety, or worrying about safety
  • Sadness, guilt, or shame about what they did or didn’t do
  • Irritability, anger, or feeling emotionally “numb”

Behavioral responses

  • Clinginess (younger children) or withdrawal (older kids and teens)
  • Regression (bed-wetting, baby talk, needing more help)
  • Trouble concentrating and forgetfulness
  • Regression in academic skills or work quality
  • Risk-taking, including substance use (especially in teens)

Physical responses

  • Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep; nightmares
  • Sleeping much more than usual
  • Ongoing headaches, stomachaches, or GI issues without a clear medical cause

NIMH emphasizes that many of these reactions improve over time with support and routine, but that persistent symptoms beyond about a month, or severe reactions at any time, are reasons to seek professional help. 

In the classroom, this may look like late or missing work, zoning out, skipping class, drama with peers, or constant nurse visits, layered on top of either withdrawal or acting out.

What makes a school truly trauma-informed?

You’ll see “trauma-informed” on a lot of websites now. The question is whether it matches evidence-based frameworks like those from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN).

Here’s what to look for and ask about:

1. Routines and predictability

  • The day’s schedule is posted and reviewed.
  • Staff preview changes (assemblies, drills, substitute teachers).
  • Transitions have clear, consistent steps.

NCTSN’s system framework highlights predictable routines as a core part of trauma-informed school environments because predictability helps regulate students’ stress responses.

2. Relationships and co-regulation

  • Teachers model basic regulation skills (brief breathing or stretch breaks).
  • When a child escalates, the first move is connection and calming, not punishment.
  • Adults greet students by name and notice when something is off.

SAMHSA’s guidance for children and youth after traumatic events stresses that supportive, calm adults are the key factor in helping kids cope, which is exactly what good co-regulation provides. 

Teen girls can be good at masking symptoms. Teachers who prioritize relationship-based teaching can help spot changes in behavior. 

3. Voice, choice, and agency

  • Students get small but real choices (order of tasks, project format, partner options).
  • There are clear ways to ask for a break or support without being shamed.

Choice increases a sense of control, which is especially important for kids whose control was taken away during trauma.

4. De-escalation spaces that teach skills

Some classrooms or schools use a “calm corner” or quiet space. In a trauma-informed school, this space is:

  • Taught like any other routine (when to use it, how long, what to do there)
  • Filled with tools that build skills (visual timer, movement, sensory supports), not just a place to escape work

5. Instruction that lowers overload

  • Directions are chunked into smaller steps with visuals.
  • Lessons include short regulation breaks (stretch, breathe, stand and talk).

For a dysregulated brain, this can be the difference between “I can’t” and “I can try.”

6. Restorative, not purely punitive, discipline

Instead of “What’s wrong with you?” a trauma-informed school asks:

“What happened? Who was affected? What do you need to repair and move forward?”

NCTSN and other school safety organizations encourage restorative approaches to reduce exclusionary discipline and keep kids connected to learning, which is protective for mental health.

How parents can support their child right now

Even in a great trauma-informed school, home routines matter.

Co-regulation and structure

After trauma, kids need more connection and consistency, not fewer rules. Best practices emphasize keeping routines as normal as possible while offering extra reassurance and support.

  • Keep wake times, bedtimes, and school routines as steady as you reasonably can.
  • Use calm, clear limits: “It’s okay to feel angry. It’s not okay to hit. Let’s find a safe way to let it out.”
  • Pair correction with connection: “That wasn’t okay, and I’m still right here with you.”

Quick script before school

“Let’s do two slow breaths together, then we’ll walk to the car. You don’t have to like everything about today. You just have to take the next step. I’m with you.”

Teacher greeting family before school.

Talk with teachers in a way that builds partnership

You don’t have to share everything. Focus on what teachers need to know to respond well:

  • One line about what’s hard
  • One or two things that help
  • A clear ask

Email template

Hi [Teacher’s Name],

[Child] recently went through a difficult event. Since then, they’ve been more anxious and may struggle with changes in routine or loud settings.

What helps: a brief heads-up before big changes and a 2–3 minute break to reset.
Could we set up a simple plan and a quick check-in in a few weeks to see how it’s going? I appreciate your support so much.

When school supports aren’t enough: signs your child might need a therapeutic school

Sometimes, even with solid trauma-informed practices and outpatient therapy, a child’s needs go beyond what a traditional school can safely provide.

Consider talking with your child’s providers about a therapeutic school (day or residential) if you see patterns like:

  • Safety concerns at school (frequent crisis events, running away, serious self-harm or aggression)
  • Ongoing school refusal despite consistent efforts and supports
  • Multiple suspensions, alternative placements, or “soft pushes” to leave
  • Trauma symptoms thataren’t improving after several months of therapy and school accommodations
  • Your child needing intensive therapeutic work that can’t fit into evenings and weekends
  • School staff saying, “We’re trying, but we don’t have the level of support they really need.”

These are the situations where a therapeutic school—integrating academics, intensive therapy, and 24/7 milieu support—may offer the level of containment and treatment your child needs.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ policy on trauma-informed care points out that systems often need to adjust intensity and environment to match the level of adversity and symptoms; sometimes that means a more specialized setting for a period of time.

What to look for in a therapeutic school

Whether you’re considering Solstice West RTC or another program, look for:

  • Trauma-informed classrooms
    • Routine and predictability
    • Co-regulation and strong teacher-student relationships
    • Skill-focused de-escalation spaces
  • Licensed teachers and a clear academic plan that can coordinate with your home district
  • Integrated clinical support (individual, family, and group therapy)
  • Family involvement and transition planning back to home or a less intensive setting

This mirrors what NCTSN describes as a tiered, trauma-informed school system: universal practices for everyone, plus more intensive interventions for students with higher needs. 

How Solstice West supports students with trauma at school

At Solstice West RTC in Layton, Utah:

  • Instruction is provided by Utah-licensed educators in small, trauma-informed classrooms.
  • Our academic program is listed on the California Department of Education’s out-of-state nonpublic school directory and on Washington’s OSPI-approved nonpublic agency list for education placements (districts can verify current status on those official sites). 

In the classroom, that looks like:

  • Daily routines and previewed schedule changes
  • Teachers trained in trauma-informed practices and co-regulation, not just content
  • Calm, structured spaces for students to practice regulation skills without losing dignity
  • Voice and choice in assignments and projects, so students rebuild a sense of control
  • Close collaboration between therapists, teachers, and families on goals and accommodations

Our team also works with home districts to plan:

  • Credit transfer
  • 504/IEP coordination
  • Step-down options and re-entry plans, so gains made here transfer back home

The overall approach aligns with AAP’s trauma-informed care recommendations—strengthening relationships, buffering adversity, and promoting healthy development.

When to seek professional help (beyond school changes)

Reach out to your child’s healthcare provider or a licensed mental-health professional if: 

  • Symptoms last longer than 2–4 weeks or are still strong after about a month
  • Reactions get worse instead of slowly improving
  • Problems interfere with school, friendships, or family life
  • There are ongoing physical complaints without a clear medical cause

Reach out immediately (same day; emergency services if needed) if you notice:

  • Talk of self-harm or suicide
  • Dangerous risk-taking or substance use
  • Severe school refusal combined with major withdrawal
  • Behavior that makes you fear for your child’s safety or someone else’s

For urgent emotional support in the U.S., you can call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) any time.

What to do next

  1. Spot patterns, not one-off bad days. Use the emotional/behavioral/physical lists above.
  2. Ask your child’s school: “What trauma-informed supports are already in place for my child, and what else could we try?”
  3. If school struggles continue, request a 504/IEP evaluation in writing and set a date to review progress.
  4. If your child’s needs are beyond what school and outpatient care can safely hold, talk with your child’s providers about therapeutic school options, including whether Solstice West RTC might be an appropriate next step.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. A good trauma-informed school or therapeutic program will treat you as a partner, not a problem.

Talk With Our Team About the Right Next Step

If your teen is struggling with trauma symptoms, our admissions team can help you understand options and whether Solstice West may be the right fit.


Contact Our Team

Call Now
Confidential support for families. We’re here to help you get clarity.

Crisis and safety note

If you or your child is in immediate danger or is considering self-harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

For 24/7 support in the United States, you can call or text 988 or chat via the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., please contact your local emergency number or national crisis service. This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or mental-health advice.

References

  1. National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Helping children and adolescents cope with traumatic events. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved 2025. (National Institute of Mental Health)
  2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2012). Tips for talking with and helping children and youth cope after a disaster or traumatic event: A guide for parents, caregivers, and teachers (HHS Publication No. SMA-12-4732). (SAMHSA Library)
  3. National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (2017, updated 2021). Creating, supporting, and sustaining trauma-informed schools: A system framework. (NCTSN)
  4. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021). Trauma-informed care in child health systems. Pediatrics, 148(2), e2021052579.https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2021-052579 (AAP Publications)
  5. Swedo, E. A., et al. (2024). Adverse childhood experiences and health conditions and risk behaviors among high school students—Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2023. MMWR Supplements, 73(4), 39–49.https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.su7304a5 (CDC)
  6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2019). Helping children and adolescents cope with traumatic events. (ATSDR)
  • The Solstice Team
  • No Comments

Helping a Teen With Addictive Behaviors: Signs, Support Options, and When Inpatient Care Is the Right Step
Helping a Teen With Addictive Behaviors: Signs, Support Options, and When Inpatient Care Is the Right Step 1200 630 The Solstice Team
What this guide covers:
Addictive behaviors in teens are often signs of emotional distress, trauma, or difficulty regulating stress.
This comprehensive guide helps parents recognize warning signs, talk with their teen effectively, and understand when outpatient support is enough or when residential treatment may be the most supportive next step.

When a teenager develops addictive or compulsive behaviors such as phone use, vaping, self-harm, disordered eating, gaming, sexual promiscuity, or experimenting with substances, families are often left asking the same questions:

Is this just a phase?
Are we being too strict? Or not strict enough?
How do we help without making things worse?

Addictive behaviors in teens are rarely about rebellion or lack of willpower. More often, they are signals. Attempts to cope with emotional pain, overwhelm, trauma, or nervous system dysregulation that a teen doesn’t yet know how to manage in healthier ways.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help families:

  • Understand what addictive behaviors really mean in adolescents
  • Recognize when support at home or outpatient care may no longer be enough
  • Know what effective treatment looks like and when inpatient care becomes appropriate
On This Page — Table of Contents

What Are Addictive Behaviors in Teens?

Addictive behaviors in teens are repeated actions such as substance use, self-harm, or compulsive technology use that a teenager relies on to cope with emotional distress, stress, or overwhelm. These behaviors are adaptive strategies that temporarily regulate feelings the teen cannot yet manage in healthier ways.

Is an “Addictive Personality” a Real Diagnosis for Teens?

The phrase “addictive personality” is commonly searched, but it can be misleading, especially for adolescents.

Teens do not have fixed personalities. Their brains are still developing, particularly the areas responsible for impulse control, emotional regulation, and long-term decision-making. What looks like an “addictive personality” is more accurately understood as:

Common teen addictive or compulsive behaviors
  • A coping strategy that works temporarily
  • A response to emotional distress or stress overload
  • A nervous system seeking regulation or relief

Common teen addictive or compulsive behaviors include:

  • Substance use (alcohol, marijuana, vaping, prescription misuse)
  • Self-harm or compulsive risk-taking
  • Disordered eating behaviors
  • Compulsive gaming, phone, or social media use
  • Internet or pornography use

In clinical settings, the focus is not just on stopping the behavior, but on understanding why the behavior became necessary.

What Causes Addictive Behaviors in Teenagers?

Teen addictive behaviors are usually driven by a combination of emotional, psychological, and developmental factors rather than a single cause. Trauma, chronic stress, mental health conditions, and difficulties with emotional regulation commonly contribute to why a teen turns to addictive or compulsive coping strategies.

Causes may include:

  • Trauma, loss, or attachment disruptions
  • Anxiety, depression, or mood instability
  • Difficulty regulating emotions or stress
  • Peer pressure or social isolation
  • Neurodiversity (ADHD, ASD, executive functioning challenges)
  • Family history of addiction or mental health concerns

Adolescents are especially vulnerable because their brains are highly sensitive to reward and stress while still developing the skills needed to tolerate discomfort without escaping it.

The behavior is rarely the core problem. It is simply the ‘solution’ the teen has found.

What Environmental Triggers Make Teen Addictive Behaviors Worse?

Environmental triggers are external situations or influences that increase urges, intensify behaviors, or make recovery more difficult for teens. These triggers often interact with internal stress and can significantly impact how often addictive behaviors occur and how hard they are to change.

Common environmental and social triggers include:

  • Peer influence: Spending time with friends who engage in the same addictive behaviors can normalize or reinforce use.
  • Social media and online culture: Influencers, trends, or online communities that glamorize substance use, self-harm, or risky behaviors can increase urges and distort norms.
  • Family stress or conflict: Ongoing parental conflict, high emotional reactivity, or contentious co-parenting can increase emotional overload.
  • Academic pressure or failure: Chronic stress, learning differences, or falling behind at school can drive avoidance or numbing behaviors.
  • Lack of structure or supervision: Inconsistent routines or unclear expectations can leave teens vulnerable during moments of stress or boredom.

While parents cannot eliminate all triggers, modifying the environment and increasing support often reduces the intensity and frequency of addictive behaviors. It can also help clarify when outside help is needed.

What Are the Warning Signs of Addictive Behaviors in Teens?

Warning signs of addictive behaviors in teens often appear as patterns of behavioral, emotional, academic, and physical changes that persist or get worse over time. While individual signs may seem typical in adolescence, clusters of changes usually signal a deeper struggle that needs attention.

Common warning signs include:

  • Behavioral changes: Increased secrecy, lying, irritability, mood swings, or emotional shutdown
  • Academic struggles: Falling grades, skipping classes, loss of focus, or school avoidance
  • Social changes: New peer groups, distancing from longtime friends, withdrawing from family, or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • Physical symptoms: Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, hygiene, or physical appearance
  • Risk-taking behaviors: Escalating rule-breaking, unsafe choices, or impulsive decisions
  • Emotional indicators: Hopelessness, low self-worth, heightened anxiety, or emotional numbness

One sign alone may not be cause for alarm. Persistent, escalating, or clustered signs over time are what warrant closer attention and professional guidance.

Parent and teen discussion about mental health support

How to Talk to a Teen About Addictive Behaviors?

Talking to a teen about addictive behaviors is most effective when the focus is on understanding rather than control. Approaching the conversation with curiosity, calmness, and empathy increases the likelihood that teens will engage honestly instead of becoming defensive or withdrawn.

More effective approaches include:

  • Leading with curiosity instead of accusation
  • Naming concern without labeling or diagnosing
  • Separating your teen from the behavior (“This isn’t who you are”)
  • Listening more than explaining in early conversations
  • Avoiding ultimatums unless safety requires them

A helpful mindset shift for parents:

The goal isn’t to convince your teen to stop, but to understand what the behavior is doing for them.

This approach builds trust and creates openings for change rather than secrecy.

How Do You Set Boundaries With a Teen Who Has Addictive Behaviors?

When a teen is struggling with addictive or compulsive behaviors, parents are often told to “set boundaries”, but that advice can feel vague or even confusing. Many families end up relying on rules alone, which can unintentionally increase power struggles, secrecy, and emotional reactivity.

Understanding the difference between rules and boundaries is key.

Rules vs. Boundaries: What’s the Difference?

Rules are about controlling behavior. Rules focus on what someone else must or must not do.

Examples of rules:

  • “You are not allowed to vape.”
  • “You can’t be on your phone after 9 p.m.”
  • “If you break curfew, you’re grounded.”

Rules can be useful, especially around safety, but on their own they often trigger resistance in teens who are already struggling with impulse control or emotional regulation.

Boundaries, on the other hand, are about what parents will do to protect safety, stability, and the relationship. Boundaries focus on your response, not controlling someone else’s choices.

Examples of boundaries:

  • “I won’t provide rides or money if substances are involved.”
  • “I’m available to talk when voices are calm; I’ll step away if things escalate.”
  • “I’ll be holding onto medications, substances, and anything that could be misused so I can help keep you safe.”

Boundaries don’t require a teen’s agreement to work. They are enforceable because they are rooted in parental responsibility and action, not the teen’s compliance.

Why Boundaries Matter More Than Rules for Addictive Behaviors

Teens using addictive behaviors often rely on those behaviors to regulate stress, emotions, or internal discomfort. When parents rely solely on rules, teens may:

  • Argue or negotiate endlessly
  • Hide behavior rather than reduce it
  • Experience increased shame or defensiveness

Healthy boundaries help because they:

  • Reduce chaos and emotional reactivity
  • Protect the parent–child relationship
  • Create predictability and containment
  • Support nervous system regulation
  • Shift parents out of constant monitoring and enforcement

When families find themselves constantly negotiating or walking on eggshells, it may signal that the family system needs more support, not that parents are failing.

Turning Rules Into Boundaries: Practical Examples

The goal isn’t to eliminate rules entirely but to anchor rules with boundaries that reduce power struggles and increase safety. Here’s how a rule can be reframed into a boundary:

Rule Boundary
“You’re not allowed to use substances.” “I can’t allow substances in our home, and if I find them, I’ll remove them and revisit what support you need.”
“You have to tell me everything.” “I’m here to talk when you’re ready, and I’ll check in regularly because your safety matters.”
“No phones after 9.” “As a family, we will charge our phones in the kitchen overnight to support sleep and help us stay off screens overnight.”

Sample Scripts for Setting Boundaries With Compassion

Many parents know what they want to say but have a hard time saying it calmly and consistently. The framework below helps parents communicate boundaries without escalating conflict.

  • Love: “I love you, and I care deeply about your safety and well-being.”
  • Truth: “I’m seeing behaviors that tell me you’re struggling, and it’s my job to respond instead of ignoring them.”
  • Responsibility: “This is what I can and can’t do as your parent.”
  • Choice: “You get to make your own choices. I’ll respond in ways that keep things safe.”
  • Follow-Through: “If this boundary isn’t respected, here’s what I’ll do next.”

Example in Practice

Boundary setting with compassion illustration

“I love you and I know things have been really hard lately. Because you and your safety matter to me, I can’t give you access to money when substances are involved. You get to decide what you do, but I’ll follow through on this boundary consistently.”

This approach:

  • Reduces lectures
  • Avoids threats
  • Keeps responsibility where it belongs
  • Preserves connection even during conflict

Boundaries are not punishments. They are healthy expressions of care, clarity, and parental leadership. This is especially true when a teen is overwhelmed or dysregulated.

If boundaries feel impossible to hold, or if holding them escalates behavior rather than reducing it, that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It may mean your teen needs more support than the family system can provide alone.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Teens With Addictive Behaviors?

Treatment options for teens with addictive behaviors vary based on intensity, safety, and the teen’s ability to function outside of therapy. Common options range from outpatient therapy to intensive outpatient programs and residential treatment, each offering different levels of structure and support.

Common Levels of Care

  • Outpatient therapy: Weekly sessions; appropriate for mild, early concerns
  • Intensive outpatient programs (IOP): Multiple sessions per week while living at home
  • Residential treatment: 24/7 therapeutic environment with integrated clinical care

Each level has its place in the continuum of care. Effectiveness depends on severity, safety, and the teen’s ability to regulate outside of sessions.

When Is Outpatient Therapy Not Enough for a Teen?

Outpatient therapy may not be enough when addictive behaviors continue to escalate, disrupt daily life, or feel unsafe despite consistent support. In these cases, teens often need a more structured environment to stabilize and build coping skills effectively.

How Do You Know If a Teen Needs Residential Treatment?

Residential treatment may be appropriate when:

  • Addictive behaviors persist despite outpatient therapy
  • The teen cannot remain emotionally or physically safe at home
  • Substance use or compulsive behaviors are escalating
  • Mental health symptoms dominate daily functioning
  • Family relationships are becoming highly reactive or fractured
  • School engagement has significantly declined

What Effective Residential Treatment for Teens Looks Like

High-quality adolescent treatment addresses the whole person, not just the behavior.

Effective programs include:

  • Trauma-informed, relationship-based care
  • Integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions
  • Evidence-based therapies (DBT, CBT, EMDR, somatic approaches)
  • Emotional regulation and nervous system support
  • Family therapy and parent involvement
  • Academic continuity and confidence rebuilding

Teens need practice, repetition, and support in a structured environment.

Evidence-Based and Holistic Approaches That Support Teen Recovery

Effective treatment for teen addictive behaviors integrates multiple therapeutic approaches, tailored to the adolescent’s needs.

Some evidence-based modalities include:

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and impulse control skills
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps teens recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors
  • NeuroAffective Relational Model™ (NARM®): Addresses attachment patterns, relational stress, and nervous system dysregulation that often drive addictive or compulsive coping
  • Trauma-focused therapies (such as EMDR and somatic approaches): Address unresolved trauma that often underlies addictive behaviors
  • Motivational interviewing and harm-reduction approaches: Support teens who feel ambivalent about change without relying on shame or pressure

In addition, many effective programs incorporate holistic supports such as:

  • Mindfulness and body-based regulation practices
  • Physical movement and exercise
  • Creative or experiential therapies
  • Life skills and executive functioning support

Family therapy is a critical component, helping caregivers learn how to respond effectively, rebuild trust, and support long-term change at home.

How Does Solstice West Treat Addictive Behaviors Differently?

Solstice West treats addictive behaviors as coping strategies rooted in emotional and relational challenges rather than isolated problems or moral failures. Treatment focuses on addressing underlying causes, building regulation skills, and involving families so progress can continue beyond residential care.

Key elements of our evidence-based approach include:

  • Meeting teens where they are, using harm-reduction and motivational frameworks
  • Treating the why behind the behavior alongside the behavior itself
  • A dedicated substance use and compulsive behaviors track
  • Integration of trauma therapy, emotional regulation, and family work
  • A small, relationship-based environment with intensive clinical support

The end goal is not simply quitting the behavior, but building capacity. We want our clients to develop the ability to feel, cope, connect, and make healthier choices over time. This helps teens have agency to make the changes themselves.

How Families Can Take the Next Step

If you are wondering whether residential treatment may be appropriate, consider these questions:

  • Is our current level of support creating real change?
  • Is our teen becoming more regulated or more distressed over time?
  • Are safety, trust, or stability increasingly at risk?

Speaking with an experienced admissions or clinical team can help clarify options and next steps.

Supporting Long-Term Recovery After Treatment

Support and recovery planning for families

Recovery from addictive behaviors does not end when formal treatment concludes. Maintaining progress requires continued structure, connection, and support.

Key elements of long-term success include:

  • A clear transition or aftercare plan
  • Ongoing outpatient therapy or coaching when appropriate
  • Family communication and boundary alignment
  • Supportive routines that promote regulation and accountability
  • Gradual reintegration into school, peers, and daily responsibilities

As professionals, we know that setbacks can occur, and they are part of learning, not failure. Progress over perfection helps teens build resilience and confidence as they move forward.

A Final Word to Parents

Choosing a higher level of care does not mean you have failed or waited too long.

Often, it means you are responding thoughtfully to what your teen actually needs.

With the right environment, support, and clinical care, adolescents can learn to regulate emotions, rebuild trust, reconnect with strengths, and develop healthier ways to cope.

Early, appropriate intervention changes lives.

Talk With Our Team About the Right Next Step

If your teen is struggling with addictive or compulsive behaviors, our admissions team can help you understand options and whether Solstice West may be the right fit.


Contact Our Team

Call Now
Confidential support for families. We’re here to help you get clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Addictive Behaviors

What’s the difference between a habit and an addictive behavior in teens?
A habit is typically flexible and easy for a teen to stop without significant distress. An addictive behavior is more rigid, continues despite negative consequences, and is often used to regulate emotions or avoid discomfort. If stopping the behavior leads to intense distress, secrecy, or escalation, it may signal an underlying addictive pattern.
What is the difference between an addictive personality and addictive behaviors in teens?
An “addictive personality” is not a clinical diagnosis, especially for teens. Adolescents are still developing impulse control and emotional regulation. What looks like an addictive personality is more accurately a pattern of addictive behaviors used to cope with stress, trauma, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm. These patterns can change with support.
What are the early signs of addictive behaviors in teenagers?
Early signs include increased secrecy, mood swings, withdrawal from family or activities, declining school performance, changes in sleep or hygiene, and escalating emotional reactivity. While some changes are normal in adolescence, persistent or intensifying patterns often signal a deeper issue that needs closer attention or professional guidance.
How do I talk to my teen about substance use or compulsive behaviors?
Start calmly and focus on concern rather than punishment. Ask open-ended questions, listen without interrupting, and avoid labeling or ultimatums unless safety is at risk. Teens are more likely to engage honestly when they feel understood rather than judged or controlled.
When is outpatient therapy not enough for a teen with addictive behaviors?
Outpatient therapy may not be enough when behaviors escalate, interfere with daily functioning, or persist despite consistent treatment. If a teen struggles to stay safe, regulate emotions between sessions, or if family conflict continues to intensify, a higher level of care may be appropriate.
How do I know if my teen needs residential treatment?
A teen may need residential treatment when addictive behaviors continue despite outpatient care, when emotional or physical safety is at risk, or when mental health symptoms dominate daily life. Residential care provides structure and support when healing cannot occur effectively in the home environment alone.
What happens in a residential treatment center for teens?
Licensed residential treatment centers provide 24/7 therapeutic support in a structured environment. Teens receive individual, group, and family therapy, academic support, and skills training focused on emotional regulation, coping, and healthy decision-making rather than simple behavior control.
Can teens recover from addictive behaviors?
Yes. Teens can be highly responsive to treatment when underlying causes like trauma, anxiety, or emotional dysregulation are addressed. Recovery focuses on building coping skills, emotional capacity, and resilience over time, not perfection or lifelong labels.
How important is family involvement in teen addiction treatment?
Family involvement is critical for long-term success. Addictive behaviors affect the entire family system, and recovery is more sustainable when parents learn effective communication, boundary-setting, and emotional regulation strategies alongside their teen.
What types of therapy are most effective for teens with addictive behaviors?
Effective treatment often includes evidence-based therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the NeuroAffective Relational Model™ (NARM®), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and motivational approaches. The best outcomes occur when treatment is individualized and addresses both behaviors and co-occurring mental health needs.
Is it too early to seek treatment if my teen is unsure they want to change?
No. Many teens enter treatment feeling unsure or resistant. Effective programs meet teens where they are, using agency-based, harm-reducing approaches rather than requiring full commitment at the start. Readiness for change often develops once teens feel safe and supported.
What should parents look for in a teen treatment program?
Parents should look for licensed and accredited programs that offer evidence-based therapies, trauma-informed care, integrated mental health and addiction treatment, strong family involvement, and academic support. Clear clinical philosophy, individualized treatment, and transparent communication are key indicators of quality.

On this page
Basics
Signs
Boundaries
Treatment
FAQ
Top
underage drinking and depression
  • The Solstice Team
  • No Comments

Underage Drinking and Depression Go Hand in Hand
Underage Drinking and Depression Go Hand in Hand 2560 1707 The Solstice Team

Substance use in teens, particularly alcohol use, is increasingly common as factors such as peer pressure, environmental influences, a desire for independence, and trying to cope with emotional issues push teens toward drinking. A 2017 youth risk behavior survey found that among high school students 30% drank some amount of alcohol, 14% binge drank, 6% drove after they had been drinking, and 17% rode with a driver who had been drinking.

While in some cases, drinking can be seen as just a sign of teenage experimentation, research has shown that drinking in teens can be indicative of underlying mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or bi-polar disorder. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 6 in 10 substance abusers were also found to have a mental disorder. Due to the frequency of these co-occurring disorders, learning about the link between depression and substance abuse and its consequences can help you learn how to best support your daughter who is struggling with these issues.

The link between drinking and substance use and depression in teens

For all people, but particularly for teens with still-developing brains, substance use and depression is a dangerous combination. When teens are struggling with emotional problems, such as depression, they often turn to drinking or drugs as a means of self-medication to alleviate the negative feelings they are experiencing. Teens will most frequently turn to alcohol because it is the easiest to obtain and is more socially acceptable. Even though it’s illegal for them to purchase alcohol, they are often able to get it from older friends, siblings, or even their parent’s liquor cabinets.

Some teens who are struggling with mental health disorders are more likely to drink or use drugs because it can make them feel more comfortable in social situations and inside their own heads. Because drinking is normalized, teens can be more comfortable with this sort of medicating rather than taking prescribed medicines like anti-depressants. Other teens drink or use substances in an effort to cheer themselves up or dull the irritability they feel from depression. If they are offered what seems like an escape from the depressive symptoms and negative thoughts they are experiencing, it can seem like an effective coping mechanism.

In the short term, using substances such as alcohol will appear to alleviate the unwanted negative mental health symptoms of depression and anxiety because they affect the same brain regions that the mental health disorders do. However, in the long run, teens end up feeling even worse than they did when they are not using the substances and this can lead to dangerous outcomes such as suicide, substance abuse or addiction. This is a particular risk for adolescents, who are more likely to develop a serious substance disorder at a much faster rate than adults. For those teens who already have an underlying mental health disorder, the rate of developing an addiction can happen even faster than in other kids. This is so prevalent that at least half of all teens diagnosed with a mental health disorder will end up having a substance abuse disorder as well if they are not treated.

There are many factors that may contribute to a risk of developing these co-occurring disorders. One of the leading factors researchers cite is genetics, as they have found specific gene combinations that are associated with vulnerability to developing both depression and substance abuse. Another leading factor is gender differences. Women are at a higher risk for developing co-occurring disorders, and studies have shown that females who abuse alcohol are 4 times more likely to develop clinical depression. The inverse has also been found to be true, that women are more likely to abuse alcohol or drugs as a result of a depressive episode.

Diagnosing these co-occurring disorders can be difficult as many of the signs and symptoms of both disorders are closely related. However, if the standard signs of depression such as a loss of interest and aggravation occurred before the substance use started, the person was likely suffering from depression first. If the symptoms appeared after the initial use of alcohol or drugs, the depression could be a result of the substance use. Check for these symptoms if you worry your daughter could be experiencing these disorders simultaneously:

– Anxiety
– Tiredness or changes in sleeping patterns
– Feelings or expression of guilt
– Changes to eating patterns or appetite
– Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
– Non-specified aches or pains that have no obvious cause
– Deep feelings of sadness or weepiness
– Being irritated or triggered easily
– Self-destructive actions or thoughts

In addition to exacerbating depression episodes and symptoms, developing these co-occurring disorders can have severely negative impacts on teens in other ways.

The challenges that drinking and depression can create for teens

Because the brain is still developing during adolescence, particularly the parts that control decision-making and impulse control, teens have an enhanced vulnerability for not only developing substance disorders and mental health disorders as teenagers but later on in life as well. Early drug use is a strong risk factor for developing substance abuse problems as an adult and it can also be a risk factor for developing other mental illnesses in adulthood. One study found that experiencing a mental health disorder as a teenager can be the catalyst for drug abuse in adulthood, and they suggested that earlier diagnosis of mental health disorders can help reduce this comorbidity. 

There are many additional consequences and challenges associated with early drinking and substance use beyond developing or worsening depression. Underage drinking is commonly linked to increased risky sexual behavior and also increased vulnerability to coerced sex. Teens who drink are more likely to have sex before the age of 16, to have sex while drinking, and to engage in unsafe sex practices after drinking.

Substance use in teens also puts them at risk for engaging in other types of risky behavior and victimization. Instances of risky behavior include theft, driving while intoxicated, running away from home, getting arrested, skipping school, trying to hurt themselves, getting into physical altercations, and vandalizing property.

Alcohol use in teens is also related to physical and academic issues as well. Heavy alcohol consumption in adolescents can delay puberty, slow bone growth, and ultimately result in weaker bones in adulthood. Teens using substances can struggle academically as alcohol damages areas of the brain that are responsible for learning and memory, verbal skills, and visual-spatial cognition. These deficits are also associated with a high drop-out rate, more missed classes, and lower overall grade point averages.

With all of the possible negative consequences of suffering from comorbid conditions of substance use and depression, it’s essential to get teens the help they need right away to prevent lifelong impacts.

How to get treatment for your teen suffering from depression and substance use

Treating the dual diagnosis of addiction and depression can vary from the more traditional route of treating the addiction first and then the depression, to more progressive methods that treat both conditions simultaneously to reduce the risk of relapse in either condition.

For teens especially, it’s important to find treatment that focuses on treating both disorders concurrently to avoid either disorder falling between the cracks. Additionally, teens that have been diagnosed with co-occurring disorders aren’t typically successful in traditional addiction treatment programs like the 12 step recovery model, as the stress they suffer during these programs can be counterproductive to recovery.

 Health professionals that aim to treat both conditions at the same time will often use cognitive behavioral therapy in tandem with medication to manage withdrawal symptoms from substances and help manage depressive symptoms. Programs that have been found to be particularly successful for teens are ones that build positive social connections. This can include recovery groups that are designed for teens to play an important role in emotional support and skill-building that helps teens cope with the negative feelings associated with mental illness and substance addiction.

If your teen is experiencing the co-occurring disorders of depression and substance abuse, Solstice RTC can help provide her the care she needs to be successful on her healing journey.

Solstice RTC can help 

Solstice RTC is one of the leading residential treatment centers for adolescents ages 14-17, and we specialize in helping young women on their journey towards healing by utilizing a unique blend of therapeutic techniques based on traditional and holistic treatment methods. We strive to empower teenage women with the ability to believe in themselves and provide the tools and motivation required to instill these beliefs for life.

We treat teen students experiencing a variety of challenges related to past trauma, loss, mood disorders, and addictive behaviors. Your child will be supported by a passionate team of therapeutic experts who have specific training and experience working with trauma, loss, and addiction. For over a decade we have been a proven leader in successfully treating adolescent women struggling with a variety of challenges. For more information on how Solstice RTC could help, please call (866) 278-3345. 

teen substance use issues
  • The Solstice Team
  • No Comments

I’m Worried That My Teen Child Is Drinking. What Should I Do?
I’m Worried That My Teen Child Is Drinking. What Should I Do? 2560 1707 The Solstice Team

We know that teenagers are not exactly averse to taking risks. They begin to prioritize peer relationships and are terrified being left out. An article from Psychology Today explains, “… changes in the brain during early adolescence that make teens more focused on the rewards of peers and being included in peer activities. This increased focus on peers occurs during a time when the PFC is not yet ready to assist in mature self-regulation. These factors provide a “perfect storm” of opportunities for risky behavior.” Teen substance use issues are one of the risky behaviors some teens choose to engage in.

While taking some risks is normal, and a part of learning to navigate life, there are some risks that have higher dangers, such as drinking. Oftentimes teens who are struggling with mental health, are even more susceptible to the addictive nature of alcohol. They turn to alcohol to feel more comfortable in a social environment, or maybe they don’t feel confident enough to say no. It could also be that teens with mental health issues turn to alcohol to numb their symptoms or struggles. 

If your child is struggling with their mental health, and you believe that they may be experimenting with alcohol, below are some steps you can take towards finding a solution.

Create a Safe Environment for Thrill Seeking: Adolescents enjoy testing limits, whether that’s their physical limits, or the limitations parents put on them. Alcohol is a way of testing those limits, but there are other ways to tap into that thrill seeking need. Adventure activities like rock climbing or ziplining lets your child test their limits, but it can be done in a controlled environment. These are also great activities to do in groups, which encourages positive peer interactions.

Supervise Peer Interactions: For both younger and older adolescents, it is important to supervise your child and their peers. While we may want to let teens have some independence, if there are any concerns about alcohol experimentation, parents must stay engaged. Letting the group know that there are clear expectations and rules for gatherings can help limit the opportunities for risky behavior. 

Explore the Why: Chances are your child knows that drinking is not a good choice. She’s heard it from you. She’s heard it from teachers. She’s heard it on after school specials. So instead of telling their not to do it because it’s bad, ask her: “Why?” What is they gaining from the experience? What is it doing for her? When they can identify why they are experimenting with alcohol, you can begin to try to replace that need for alcohol with a healthier coping strategy. 

Group Therapy: As we have already established, peer relationships are the top priority for many teens. Because of this, your child will likely open up to their peers much more quickly that they will to you. This is where a resource like group therapy can be very beneficial. While working with a mental health professional, they can also be engaged in a group of peers who may be struggling with similar issues. It’s a place to connect with and support others. Group members can relate to each other’s experiences and offer guidance.

Solstice RTC Can Help With Teen Substance Use Issues

Solstice RTC helps teen students on their journey towards healing by utilizing a unique blend of therapeutic techniques based upon both traditional and holistic treatment methods. Programming is specifically designed to treat teen students between the ages of 14-17.  We strive to empower teenage people with the ability to believe in themselves and provide the tools and motivation required to instill these beliefs for life. Solstice RTC can help girls and assigned female at birth who are struggling with issues such as impulse control, low self esteem, teen substance use issues, and social interactions. We utilize many therapeutic approaches like group and adventure therapy. For more information about Solstice RTC, please call  (866) 278-3345.

substance abuse in girls
  • The Solstice Team
  • No Comments

The Link Between Disordered Eating and Substance Use in Girls
The Link Between Disordered Eating and Substance Use in Girls 1707 2560 The Solstice Team

Many girls and assigned female at birth who struggle with substance use, particularly alcohol use, often struggle with disordered eating. Both issues are related to attempts to control what they consume, as they have a direct impact on how they feel physically. Some researchers propose that both food and substances can become addictive patterns, measured by preoccupation, cravings, and a “lack of self-control.” Even though both issues share common features, many specialty treatment programs are not designed to address both issues. 

How common is the link between disordered eating and substance use?

According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, up to 50% of individuals with disordered eating patterns have also experimented with substances, compared to 9% of the general population. Additionally, up to 35% of people who use substances also struggle with disordered eating, compared to 3% of the general population. Sometimes, one behavior starts before the other, but in many cases, they develop around the same time. 

Eating disorders and substance abuse, like many other mental health issues, share similar risk factors. While boys may be more likely to struggle with externalizing behaviors, like aggression, that result from emotional issues, girls and assigned female at birth are more likely to turn to self-destructive behaviors, like disordered eating and experimenting with substances. 

Why the overlap between these addictive behaviors?

  • Coping with underlying feelings of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and guilt
  • Preoccupation with food, substances, and body image
  • Some teens turn to substances to change their appetite or to reduce their anxiety around food
  • Rituals around the addictive behavior
  • Loss of control over behavior over time
  • Both associated with a distorted perception of self
  • Sacrificing other interests to spend more time engaging in the addictive behavior
  • Both based on trying to change the way their body feels, in terms of wanting to improve their body image and alter their state of mind

Integrative Care for Dual Diagnoses

Recognizing the link between substance use and disordered eating often goes under the radar as many professionals are looking for signs of one issue rather than the other. Most teens experience a variety of mental health issues that may overlap in some ways, rather than a single problem with a clear-cut solution. Because of how symptoms overlap, it is important to take a whole-person approach to improve teens’ overall wellbeing. Just focusing on a specific type of behavior problem ignores that risk factors for one issue are often similar for other types of behavior problems. 

“If you don’t treat issues simultaneously, there’s the potential for symptom substitution. For example, when a teen does not have access to substances, their disordered eating patterns may escalate and vice versa,” explains Jaime Palmer, the Executive Clinical Director at Solstice RTC. “In order to address both issues successfully, we try to separate addictive behaviors from underlying issues and encourage teens to dig into potential root causes. Instead of focusing on behavioral change as the primary goal, our goal becomes empowering teens to change the way they view themselves and their ability to succeed without negative coping mechanisms.”

Individualized treatment plans that aim to help teens heal in multiple areas of their lives may involve: 

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy targets emotional regulation, distress tolerance
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy targets exposure, psychological flexibility and committed action
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy targets relapse prevention
  • Trauma Focused-therapy includes EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Solstice RTC Can Help 

Solstice RTC is a groundbreaking residential treatment center for girls, ages 14 to 18. Our girls and assigned female at birth often grapple with depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral problems when they come to us. Through a unique combination of therapeutic programs based upon both traditional and holistic mental health treatment, we treat our clients with age and gender specific techniques. We strive to empower teenage people with the ability to believe in themselves and provide the tools and motivation required to instill these beliefs for life.

For more information about how we help with disordered eating and substance use, please contact us at (866) 278-3345.

 

  • The Solstice Team
  • No Comments

Instant Gratification Times 1000: Teaching Your Teen Impulse Control
Instant Gratification Times 1000: Teaching Your Teen Impulse Control 2560 1920 The Solstice Team

Sometimes it seems that teens have the impulse control of a, well, teenager. One moment, they seem like rational human beings and then they do something so incredibly reckless, you cannot help but wonder what they were thinking. Fortunately, there’s a scientific answer: it’s all about the brain.

Educating Your Teen about Impulse Control

The teenage brain is still in the process of developing. This process not only leads to teenagers pushing boundaries and searching for individuality; it promotes risk-taking behaviors with little regard for consequence. The behaviors can range from mood issues resulting in confrontation and “borrowing” without asking, to substance abuse, kleptomania, compulsive sexuality, and many others.

As a parent of a teen with impulse control issues, there are several steps that you can take to make the problem easier. Typically, issues with control come with age; however, a few tips can help relieve tension until that time comes. The most important thing to remember is to stay positive. As with many other situations, by losing your temper, you only add fuel to the fire; what could have been a calm discussion turns into a power struggle. 

Try to keep communication open. While it may be tempting for a parent to simply lay down the law, a real conversation is a two-way street. Setting a strict system of cause-and-effect (break the rules, deal with the consequences) does not teach your child why impulse control is important; sitting down and talking about the effect of recklessness does. Even though there are situations when remaining patient can prove difficult, in the end, the best way to teach your child impulse control is to exhibit impulse control yourself.

In some cases, impulse control issues may be symptoms of a deeper problem such as ADHD or anxiety. If your teen exhibits behaviors that could point to something else or your teen’s impulse control issues are getting out of hand, it may be time to consider professional help.

Solstice can help

If your teen is struggling with controlling their impulsive behavior, Solstice can help. Solstice is a residential treatment center for teen girls and assigned female at birth ages 12-18 struggling with emotional and behavioral issues like defiance, ADHD, substance use, and trauma.

For more information about how Solstice can help your teen, please call (866) 278-3345 today!

 

drinking during the holidays
  • The Solstice Team
  • No Comments

Too Much Holiday Cheer: Talking to your teen about underage drinking during the holiday season
Too Much Holiday Cheer: Talking to your teen about underage drinking during the holiday season 2560 1707 The Solstice Team

The holiday season brings colder weather and time off of work and school. For teens on winter break, getting together with friends for holiday parties is pretty common. These parties, although fun and a good way for teens to catch up with old friends, are often filled with underage binge drinking and other unhealthy, illicit activities. Knowing whether or not your teen is engaging in underage drinking during the holiday season can be tricky. Teens know how to cover these things up. However, it’s important for you as a parent to have a talk with your teen about potential drinking during the holiday season.

Talking with your teen about drinking during the holiday season

Explaining to your teen about the dangers of underage drinking can be frustrating. Many teens will roll their eyes and refuse to listen to you. But they need to hear about these dangers from you. On an average December day, more than 11,000 teens in the United States, aged 12 to 17, will use alcohol for the first time. Some of these young adults will not make it to the New Year, because almost 400 teens under the age 21 die from alcohol-related causes every month, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 

Here are some tips for making this conversation easier on you and your teen:

  • Listen, don’t lecture: Once you tell your teen stats and the consequences of drinking underage (advanced aging, legal consequences, alcohol poisoning, etc.), make sure you listen to what they have to say. They may defend their actions, or tell you that they honestly have no interest in drinking. If what they say offends you, don’t yell at them. They need your calm guidance, not an angry lecturer.
  • Agree on a safe word and exit plan: Safe words allow your teen to call you at a party that they would rather not be at anymore, without being embarrassed that they called their parents to come pick them up. Creating an exit plan beforehand can get them out of a party they don’t want to be at swiftly and without any danger.
  • Talk to them about peer pressure: Let them know what they don’t need to follow what their friends are doing.
  • Ask your child if they could have a party at your house: Instead of worrying about what your child is doing elsewhere, have their hang out with their friends right under your nose. That way, you can make sure she’s not engaging in underage drinking.

Solstice can help

If your child is engaging in impulsive behavior, like underage drinking, consider sending their to Solstice. Solstice is a residential treatment center for teen girls and assigned female at birth ages 12-18 struggling with emotional and behavioral difficulties. For more information about Solstice, please call (866) 278-3345.

 

teen smoking
  • The Solstice Team
  • No Comments

The rise of e-cigarettes: Preventing teen smoking
The rise of e-cigarettes: Preventing teen smoking 2560 2560 The Solstice Team

Do you remember the days when smoking seemed to be absolutely everywhere? Those days are long gone. However,  teen smoking is still very prevalent in high schools across the US. With the popularity of e-cigarettes making smoking “cool” again, changing attitudes towards smoking are making teen smoking problematic once again.

The danger of E-cigarettes

While teens are smoking less traditional cigarettes every year, the rate of e-cigarette use is steadily increasing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage  of traditional cigarette smoking in teens dropped from 15.8 percent in 2011 to 9.2 percent in 2014. However, teen smoking in terms of e-cigarettes has increased from 1.5 percent of teens in 2011 to 13.5 percent in 2014.

Right now, e-cigarettes are a growing threat to teens everywhere. Loads of misinformation combined with the attractive flavors and design of e-cigarettes has contributed to the rise in smokers. Teens may be told that e-cigarettes have less nicotine or are not as bad for you as traditional cigarettes. One tobacco researcher, Stanton Gantz, describes these devices as “cigarettes on training wheels”.

Nicotine’s negative effect on teenage brains is a serious cause for concern. Researchers say that when a teen’s brain is exposed to nicotine, it alters the the development of the prefrontal cortex. This eventually affects decision making. Because of this, teen smoking may cause attention problems and a greater risk of cognitive impairments and psychiatric disorders.

Prevention

Preventing  your teen from smoking traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or hookah may seem like a difficult task. If you’re worried your teen might start smoking or is already smoking, consider the following preventative measures:

  • Set a good example: If you smoke, your teen is more likely to smoke. If you do smoke, you should quit. Explain to your teen how miserable you are smoking and how difficult it is for you to quit smoking.
  • Appeal to your teen’s desire to look good: Talk to your teen about the effects smoking has on physical appearance. Show them pictures of people who have smoked for years with yellowing teeth and terrible skin. Tell them about the acrid smell that stays on clothes and hair.  
  • Understand peer pressure: If your teen starts smoking, it’s most likely because their friends smoke too. Talk to your teen about what to say if they are offered a cigarette or a puff on a hookah. Help them practice a response to an offer to smoke.
  • Inform them of the expense: Smoking is super expensive. Your teen needs to know that before they start taking up the habit. Sit them down and go through what a year’s worth of cigarettes would cost. Talk to them about what else they could buy with that money (clothes, electronics, makeup, etc.)

Solstice can help

Many times, teens begin smoking because they’re struggling with anxiety and depression. Solstice helps teen girls and assigned female at birth ages 12-18 struggling with emotional and behavioral difficulties.

For more information about Solstice, call today at (866) 278-3345.

 

drugs and alcohol
  • The Solstice Team
  • No Comments

Afraid Your Teen May Be Using Drugs and Alcohol?
Afraid Your Teen May Be Using Drugs and Alcohol? 2560 1700 The Solstice Team

As a child transitions into high school they suddenly become more exposed to substances that could potentially harm their growth. Naturally the child is already experiencing many conflicting feelings, as they proceed to navigate teenage life. What can be worrisome to parents is how to spot early signs of drugs and alcohol abuse, and how to speak with your teen about their behavior in time to prevent addiction. Substance use can cause problems at home, school, and in relationships, leaving the teen feeling isolated, helpless, or ashamed. It is important to know that help is always available.

Many teens first try drugs and alcohol out of curiosity, peer pressure, or in an effort to improve stress, anxiety, or depression. Use doesn’t automatically lead to abuse/addiction, however it is extremely important to discuss with your teen the severe consequences of recreational drug use.

There is no easy way to identify if your teen is using drugs and alcohol. As you may observe below, many of the symptoms or signs are sometimes typical to adolescent behavior.

Personal Appearance

  • Messy, lack of care for appearance
  • Poor hygiene,
  • Red, flushed cheeks/face
  • Burns or soot on fingers/lips (from “joints”)

Personal Habits or Actions

  • Clenching teeth
  • Smell of smoke or unusual smells on breath/clothes
  • Frequently breaks curfew
  • Cash flow problems
  • Reckless driving
  • Avoiding eye contact
  • Secretive phone calls

Behavioral Issues Associated with Teen Substance Abuse

  • Change in relationships with family members or friends
  • Loss of inhibitions
  • Mood changes or emotional instability
  • Loud obnoxious behavior
  • Unusually clumsy, stumbling, lack of coordination, poor balance
  • Sullen, withdrawn, depressed
  • Makes endless excuses
  • Periods of sleeplessness or high energy, followed by long periods of “catch up”
  • Silent, uncommunicative
  • Unusually tired

School- or Work-Related Issues

  • Loss of interest in schoolwork
  • Loss of interest in extracurricular activities, hobbies, or sports
  • Failure to fulfill responsibilities at school
  • Complaints from teachers

Health Issues Related to Teen Substance Abuse

  • Nosebleeds
  • Runny nose, not caused by allergies or a cold
  • Frequent sickness
  • Wetting lips or excessive thirst (known as “cotton mouth”)
  • Sudden or dramatic weight loss or gain
  • Depression

If you feel that your teenager may be using drugs and alcohol it is important to remember to stay calm. Being accusatory of your child may only push your child farther away. The best way to find out what is going on with your teen is to begin a back-and-forth conversation. This allows your child the opportunity to discuss any questions or situations they may have found themselves in.

To help initiate a conversation with your teen try some of these tips.

  • Create a safe environment for your child to share the truth. Assure your child that they can always be honest with you.
  • When speaking with your teen on a serious subject don’t allow any interruptions between you two. This shows you are dedicated to what they have to say.
  • Listen to your child vent. Sometimes they just need someone to listen.
  • Ask your child what they thinks/feels about drug use and that behavior

The effects of peer pressure to use and abuse substances can be damaging to your teens health and family’s well being. If you feel your teen has been using drugs or alcohol, Solstice can help. With our specialized, clinically intensive residential treatment program, we can provide your teen girl or child assigned female at birth with the help they needs to overcome peer pressure and begin their path toward healing.

For more information about how Solstice helps teen girls and assigned female at birth cope with substance abuse, call us at 801-815-8700.

 

marijuana use in teens
  • The Solstice Team
  • No Comments

Marijuana Use in Teens Can Cause Memory Loss
Marijuana Use in Teens Can Cause Memory Loss 2560 1440 The Solstice Team

For the past decade, the belief that marijuana is a harmful drug for younger individuals has begun to decline within the United States. In a government survey from 2014, it was found that 11.7 percent of 8th graders, 27.3 percent of 10th graders and 35.1 percent of 12th graders had tried marijuana in the past year. Marijuana use in teens continues to be a large issue that can cause long-term problems in brain development.

Marijuana use in teens and memory loss

In a recent study, by Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, researchers found that adults that had smoked marijuana daily as a teenager for three years or more had difficulty in performing long-term memory assessments.

Also, the researchers found that the hippocampus, the part of the brain associated with long-term memory, was altered in form. The longer the person had used marijuana daily, the more misshapen the hippocampus was. The greater the hippocampus was deformed, the worse the person did on long-term memory exams.

How to catch signs of marijuana use in teens

Because of the possible long-term damaging effects of marijuana use in teens, it’s extremely important to recognize the signs as soon as possible.

According to the AACAP, a few common signs to look for to identify if your teen is possibly abusing marijuana include:

  • Red eyes/use of eye drops often
  • Memory issues
  • Reduced interest in usual activities
  • Eating more than usual/hungry all the time
  • Acting silly for no reason
  • Dizziness

Treatment for marijuana addiction

Adolescents are more susceptible to becoming addicted to substances such as marijuana. This makes it imperative to catch and treat the addiction as soon as possible. If a larger intervention is needed than parents can provide, programs exist that specialize in dealing with treatment for marijuana use in teens.

Solstice RTC is a residential treatment center for girls, ages 14 to 18. At Solstice, we treat many types of issues, such as addiction, trauma, learning disabilities and many others. Our safe, nurturing environment paired with comprehensive, proven therapeutic techniques allows struggling girls and assigned female at birth to deal with and overcome their problems.

For more information, please call us today, at (866) 278-3345.

 

 

Start Typing