Substance Use Disorders and Treatment

When a teen’s substance use begins to escalate, it can feel overwhelming and challenging to manage. What may start as experimentation can develop into patterns that impact school performance, relationships, emotional well-being, and safety. In these situations, timing matters—addressing concerns before behaviors become more established can support more effective stabilization and better long-term outcomes.

866-705-0828 Get Started

Teens together in a common room at a Muir Wood Teen Treatment residential program

In-Network With Most Commercial Insurers

*Please note that at this time, we are not in network with Medicaid/Medi-Cal

Get Started

Clinically reviewed by

Dr. Ian Wolds Psy.D.

Last reviewed on July 16, 2026

A quiet indoor space for one-on-one support at a Muir Wood Teen Treatment campus

Treatment for Teen Substance Use

Muir Wood Healthcare provides compassionate, evidence-based treatment for adolescents ages 12–17 facing substance use and co-occurring mental health challenges. Our residential and intensive outpatient programs are designed to interrupt escalating patterns, address underlying emotional and behavioral needs, and support healthier decision-making that promotes long-term recovery and growth.

Our specialized clinical team works exclusively with adolescents and understands the complexity of teen substance use, brain development, and co-occurring disorders. Through an integrated model that combines therapy, psychiatry, academics, and family involvement, we help teens rebuild stability while equipping families with the tools and confidence needed to support ongoing progress.

If you’re unsure whether treatment is the right step—or how urgent the situation may be—you don’t have to navigate these decisions alone. Our team is here to listen, provide clarity, and help you determine the most appropriate level of care for your teen.

The Muir Wood Teen Difference

Our team partners closely with parents from day one with clear updates, a personalized plan, and real-world tools you can use between sessions, so your teen can move toward stability and lasting wellness alongside peers facing similar challenges.

Specialists in Adolescent Care

Everything we do is built for teens ages 12 to 17. Board-certified clinicians who focus exclusively on adolescent mental health and substance use deliver evidence-based, developmentally appropriate care.

Community and Connection

Therapist-led groups and daily peer interaction help teens feel understood. Connection with others facing similar challenges becomes a core part of the recovery process.

Primary Mental Health Plus Substance Use

Our trauma-informed approach treats substance use and the mental health conditions underneath it together, so teens heal deeply rather than trading one struggle for another.

Support for the Whole Family

Healing happens together. Families stay involved through therapy, education, and a 16-week aftercare coaching program that builds trust and stability long after treatment ends.

Care Covered by Insurance

We partner with most major insurers to remove financial barriers, so families can access high-quality, evidence-based treatment when it matters most.

Stay in School While Getting Support

Through our WASC-accredited academic program, students keep learning with personalized support, so treatment does not mean falling behind.

Continuum of Care

When a program is complete, we coordinate a thoughtful transition, collaborating with outpatient therapists, schools, and community providers to sustain progress.

Speak With a Teen Treatment Specialist

Connect with our admissions team today to learn how Muir Wood can support your family.

Call: 866-705-0828 Get Started

An indoor common space at a Muir Wood Teen Treatment campus

Signs of Addiction in Teens

Most teens who arrive at Muir Wood have already been struggling for some time. Parents have often tried therapy, made changes at home, or worked with school counselors—yet their teen’s challenges have continued to escalate. Understanding the signs of substance use and mental health distress can help you recognize when it may be time to consider a higher level of care.

Signs that may indicate your teen is struggling include:

Sudden or persistent changes in mood, energy, or personality
Academic decline, difficulty concentrating, or school avoidance
Continued substance use despite negative consequences
Sleep disruptions—sleeping too little or far more than usual
Withdrawal from friends, family, and activities they once enjoyed
Increased secrecy, defensiveness, or dishonesty
Risk-taking behaviors, including self-harm or expressions of suicidal thoughts

Why Timely Intervention Matters

The earlier teens receive the right level of support, the better their chances for lasting recovery. Remaining in care that isn’t meeting their needs can allow patterns to become more entrenched. If you’re unsure whether your teen needs more support, our admissions team can help you understand your options.

When to Consider a Higher Level of Care

Substance use in teens is rarely just about the substance—it’s often an attempt to cope with underlying emotional pain like anxiety, depression, or trauma. Effective treatment addresses what’s driving the behavior, not just the behavior itself.

If your teen is showing a consistent pattern of the signs above—especially if weekly therapy, IOP, or family support haven’t led to lasting improvement—a more intensive level of care may be needed. Residential treatment provides 24/7 structure and clinical support, giving teens space to stabilize away from daily triggers. IOP offers structured therapeutic support several times per week while allowing teens to remain at home, either as a step-up from therapy or step-down from residential care.

Substance Use Disorder Treatment Options

At our teen rehab centers, recovery means more than abstaining—it means addressing the underlying mental health and trauma challenges that comp. We treat both substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions together, helping teens find stability, confidence, and purpose.

We provide targeted care for teens struggling with:

Alcohol

Alcohol misuse in teens often masks deeper emotional pain — anxiety, stress, or feelings they don’t yet have words for. We treat what’s underneath, not just the behavior.

Marijuana & Cannabis

Today’s high-potency cannabis carries real mental health risks for developing brains — including, in some teens, triggering psychotic episodes. We address the underlying depression, anxiety, or stress that makes substance use feel necessary.

Opioids & Pain Medication

Opioid dependence can escalate quickly — and dangerously, given fentanyl’s presence in the current drug supply. We provide medically informed stabilization alongside therapy that addresses root causes.

Stimulants

Whether prescription medication or illicit methamphetamine, stimulants disrupt sleep, mood, and focus in ways that require clinical support to unwind. We help teens stabilize and rebuild.

Hallucinogens

For teens already vulnerable to anxiety or mood instability, hallucinogens carry serious risks. We address both the substance use and the underlying mental health factors driving it.

Social Media & Internet Addiction

Compulsive digital behavior is rarely about the screen — it’s usually anxiety, loneliness, or depression seeking an outlet. We treat what’s driving it, not just the time spent.

Co-Occurring Disorders

Most teens we treat carry more than one diagnosis. Our integrated model addresses mental health and substance use together — on a single, coordinated treatment plan.

Novel & Emerging Substances (Kratom, Bath Salts & Others)

Kratom, bath salts, and synthetic cannabinoids are often marketed as safe but can cause psychosis, seizures, and rapid dependence. We’re experienced in assessing complex and unusual presentations.

Northern California — Sonoma County

Residential Treatment — Petaluma, CA

Lohrman Campus for Girls

Mental health and substance use care for teen girls on a tranquil Petaluma property within Sonoma County, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills.

Explore the Lohrman Campus for Girls

Residential Treatment — Petaluma, CA

Skillman Campus for Boys

Dual-diagnosis treatment for teen boys—mental health and substance use care on a serene Petaluma property in lovely Sonoma County.

Explore the Skillman Campus for Boys

Residential Treatment — Penngrove, CA

Penngrove Campus for Girls

Penngrove is our most specialized adolescent mental health campus — a primary mental health residential program for girls ages 12–17 whose clinical picture involves significant trauma, psychiatric complexity, emotional dysregulation, or neurodivergence.

Explore the Penngrove Campus for Girls

Muir Wood Petaluma Intensive Outpatient Center in Sonoma County, California

Intensive Outpatient Care — Petaluma, CA

Petaluma IOP Center

Our Petaluma Intensive Outpatient treatment for teens in Sonoma County — step-down or direct-admit care with the clinical depth and family focus that define Muir Wood treatment.

Learn more about our Petaluma IOP

Central California — Clovis/Fresno County

Residential Treatment — Clovis, CA

Makena Campus for Girls

Teen girls receive dual-diagnosis care for mental health and substance use challenges in Clovis—a tranquil foothill setting at the gateway to California’s majestic Sierra Nevada.

Explore the Makena Campus for Girls

Residential Treatment — Clovis, CA

Auberry Campus for Boys

Dual-diagnosis care for teen boys in Clovis—mental health and substance use treatment at the gateway to California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

Explore the Auberry Campus for Boys

Muir Wood Fresno/Clovis Intensive Outpatient Center in Fresno, California

Intensive Outpatient Care — Fresno, CA

Fresno/Clovis IOP Center

Our Clovis Intensive Outpatient treatment for teens in the Fresno area — step-down or direct-admit care with the clinical depth and family focus that define Muir Wood treatment.

Explore the Fresno/Clovis IOP Center

Southern California — Arlington Heights Area

Residential Treatment — Riverside, CA

Edgewild Campus for Girls

Mental health and substance use care for teen girls on a beautiful, spacious campus situated near Arlington Heights’ historic groves.

Explore the Edgewild Campus

Residential Treatment — Riverside, CA

Bradley Ranch Campus for Boys

Mental health and substance use care for teen boys near Arlington Heights, situated on a lush, open property surrounded by citrus heritage.

Explore the Bradley Ranch Campus

A supportive indoor space at a Muir Wood Teen Treatment campus

When to Seek Help For Your Teen’s Substance Use

Teens may turn to substances for many reasons—stress at school or home, peer pressure, or difficulty managing emotions they don’t fully understand. Often, substance use is an attempt to cope with underlying mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma. When a teen relies on substances to manage how they feel, it’s a sign they need support addressing what’s beneath the surface.

If weekly therapy or other interventions haven’t led to lasting change—or if your teen’s substance use is escalating despite your best efforts—it may be time to consider a higher level of care. Residential treatment offers 24/7 structure and separation from triggers, giving teens the space to stabilize and develop healthier coping skills. IOP provides structured support several times per week while allowing teens to stay at home, and can serve as a step-up from therapy or a step-down from residential care.

The earlier teens receive the right level of support, the stronger the foundation for lasting recovery. If you’re concerned about your teen’s substance use, reaching out now is the right step. Our admissions team can help you understand your options and find the level of care that fits your teen’s needs.

Learn about Muir Wood or contact our admissions team today.

866-705-0828 Get Started

Treating Teen Drug & Alcohol Addiction

Depending on the severity of your teen’s alcohol or drug use, we provide residential treatment and outpatient options like intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospitalization. This approach allows each teen to receive the guidance and support they need for a healthier, substance-free future.

Residential Treatment

Teens live on campus with 24/7 monitoring and support. The environment is home-like, allowing teens to participate in individual and group therapy, mindfulness, experiential exercises, and academic support. During their stay, teens will connect with professionals and peers, learning how to identify the root cause of their addiction and manage cravings. Family support is also essential in the process of helping parents understand their teen’s addiction and how to support them during and after treatment. The typical length of stay ranges from 6 to 8 weeks.

Intensive Outpatient Program

IOP is ideal for teens who need structured support but can safely live at home. The program typically lasts about 12 weeks, with sessions 3-4 days per week. During this time, teens receive individualized support, participate in skill-building groups, and continue attending school. IOP is an excellent option when transitioning from residential treatment, providing ongoing structure and development to support a teen’s recovery journey.

Our Approach to Care

Lasting recovery from substance misuse requires compassion, teamwork, and tailored support. At Muir Wood Teen, we provide a nurturing environment where teens feel safe, respected, and understood. Adolescents learn from skilled professionals and participate in peer support groups to build coping strategies for addressing substance use and underlying mental health challenges. Our focus is on empowering young people to rebuild relationships and restore their self-confidence.

The team at Muir Wood Teen specializes in youth substance abuse treatment, ensuring each teen receives the appropriate level of care. Our evidence-based approaches include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Exposure Therapy
Experiential and Mindfulness Activities
Psychoeducation
Family therapy

Collaboration and communication are the foundation of our care approach. Our team works together to develop comprehensive, personalized treatment plans for each teen. Our goal is to create a safe and supportive space where teens can heal, grow, and develop the skills needed for a healthy, substance-free future.

Co-Occurring Disorders

At Muir Wood Teen, we understand that ongoing recovery support requires treating both substance use and mental health issues simultaneously. Our team performs detailed assessments to detect any co-occurring conditions, allowing us to create personalized treatment plans that incorporate a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to each adolescent’s unique needs.

Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are essential in substance use and mental health treatment. We also use a trauma-informed approach to help uncover past trauma and emotional distress. Co-occurring conditions that we address include:

Anxiety Disorders
Depression
Bi-Polar Disorder
Trauma and PTSD
ADHD
OCD
Disordered Eating
Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation

Throughout treatment, our team monitors progress to help adjust treatment plans and plan for the next steps following treatment.

Inside a Muir Wood Teen Treatment residential home

Muir Wood Supports the Entire Family

Addiction is a family disease; therefore, treatment and lasting sobriety require family support. From intake to discharge, families will participate in treatment. Family sessions allow family members a safe space to learn about and discuss the addiction, how it affects the family, and develop coping skills to manage challenges that come with addiction.

We provide a 16-week parent coaching program at no additional cost. Our alumni community helps keep families engaged, connected, and informed. We also collaborate with external providers to ensure your teen has ongoing support.

Treatment FAQs

What is the most common addiction in teens?

Some of the more common addictions among teenagers is substance use, with alcohol and marijuana being the most frequently used substances. These substances are often easily accessible and socially accepted, which can contribute to their prevalence. Other common teen addictions include vaping and electronic cigarette use, especially nicotine, as well as emerging issues related to prescription drug misuse and digital or internet addiction.

How do I know if my teen needs rehab?

If your teen experiences rapid mood swings, behavioral changes, or physical signs like weight gain or loss, or changes in sleep, it could be a sign of underlying alcohol or drug abuse issues that may require professional treatment services. If you have any concerns about your child using substances, reaching out for professional guidance can help guide you with the next steps.

What happens after treatment?

We collaborate with teens, parents, and external healthcare providers to determine the next steps. Whether your teen is transitioning into a step-down level of care or remaining connected in the alumni community, we continue to help support teens and parents in their journey toward recovery.

Does Muir Wood accept insurance?

Yes. Muir Wood Teen partners with most commercial insurance providers for the treatment of diagnosed substance use and mental health disorders. Our admissions team verifies benefits quickly and clearly explains coverage, co-pays, and deductibles before treatment begins.

Is the program gender-specific and inclusive?

Yes. Our gender-at-birth housing supports privacy and safety, while offering a supportive, affirming environment for all teens. Our trauma-informed clinicians ensure inclusivity and respect for every identity.

What payment options are available?

Families may use in-network insurance for residential treatment. For out-of-network plans, we assist with documentation and explore single-case agreements to make care accessible. Medicaid is not accepted at this time.

What Support Services Are Available for Teens in Substance Use Treatment?

At Muir Wood Teen, support services are designed to help adolescents heal not just from substance use, but from the emotional challenges that often accompany it. Our comprehensive care model includes individual and group therapy sessions, family therapy, and academic support—so teens can rebuild confidence and stability while staying connected to their education. Each client’s treatment plan integrates evidence-based mental health services, addressing underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, or trauma that may contribute to substance use. With a team of licensed clinicians, educators, and family specialists, we ensure that every teen receives the structure, compassion, and ongoing support services they need for lasting recovery and personal growth.

Muir Wood Treatment Center Reviews

Read about Muir Wood experiences from a parent who has been through it. Read these and other reviews from real parents of Muir Wood alumni. If you would like to speak to an alumni parent, contact us and we’ll arrange it.

Great services, staff went above and beyond

LL

Jul 2026
Muirwood has been our family’s saving grace. The staff is professional and committed to helping teen boys with not only life skills and sobriety but also understanding themselves. We will be forever thankful.

CV

Jul 2026
Chloe felt she gained a lot from her stay. She learned new coping skills and feels good.

BB

Jul 2026
She has come a long way from when she got here. She has learned and practiced the skilled obtained in the groups in our family sessions. There is Substantial improvement in attitude and overall demeanor.

KP

Jul 2026
The program is great, but our son’s primary therapist Mimi was absolutely invaluable.

AF

Jul 2026
The team really cares and does their best to help not only the child but the family as well.

PM

Jul 2026
our sons therapist Lisa was excellent! She was able to help coordinate Jonahs placement with Mountain Valley, the facility that he transferred to. the staff was amazing! Your teacher Mr. E was very helpful in keeping our son caught up with his school work online.

JM

Jul 2026
Very organized program, lots of resources, facilities are beautiful

AB

Jul 2026

Accreditations

*Please note that at this time, we are not in network with Medicaid/Medi-Cal

Get Support for Your Teen Today

Talk with our admissions team about how Muir Wood can help your family take the next step.

866-705-0828 Get Started