Marijuana rehab for teen boys is becoming more important. Teens who use marijuana are at greater risk of negative effects and developing marijuana use disorder than previous generations due to the availability of high-potency marijuana products.
Is Inpatient or Outpatient Care Best?
The answer to this question depends on the preferences and circumstances of the boy who needs care, and the family who supports him. In some cases, parents can provide the proper supervision to ensure that a slip won’t take place, and the teen has the support to resist the urge on his own. But in other cases, the lure of the drug is just too strong, and the boy has trouble resisting the call. Boys like this might do better in inpatient programs, where they have access to around-the-clock care and supervision.
Do Teen Boys Need Male-Only Programs?
Males are more likely to develop a dependence on marijuana, according to the University of Washington Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, although females can also develop an addiction issue to this very powerful drug. In rehab programs, many of the same treatments are provided to both boys and girls, but segregating the sexes might be helpful for adolescent boys. Hormones are running high during this time, and boys tend to feel the need to impress female counterparts with their bravado and bravery. Mixed programs can sometimes impede recovery, as boys spend their energies on wooing girls instead of healing. A boys-only program might provide a bit more focus.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Most treatment programs for marijuana addiction can be measured in months, not weeks. It takes time to change habits and learn new behaviors, and boys with addictions often need a significant amount of help in order to really leave a marijuana habit behind. When programs are complete, adolescent boys might need to continue to attend support groups and otherwise deal with their addictions, and the risk of relapse might still be present for years.
What Treatments Work?
There is no shot or pill that can be used to treat a marijuana addiction. Instead, adolescent boys benefit from treatments such as:
- Skills-based therapy, focusing on impulse control and anger management
- Trauma-resolution therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Family therapy
- Support group meetings
- Experiential therapy
How Can We Get Started?
Most treatment programs don’t require parents to obtain a formal diagnosis of addiction, and they may not need to get a referral from their doctors in order to obtain care for their children. Instead, parents can call treatment programs directly and outline the problems they’ve seen and the approaches they’ve used on their own to resolve the issues. Most programs can handle the testing, diagnosis and treatment planning steps, based on the information parents provide in these discussions.
If your son needs help with a marijuana addiction issue, we hope you’ll call us at Muir Wood. We provide a comprehensive treatment program that’s individualized and personalized, based on the needs of the clients in our care. Please call us to get started.