WHAT IS SUBSTANCE ABUSE? Alcoholism and drug dependence and addiction, known as substance use disorders, are complex problems. People with these disorders once were thought to have a character defect or moral weakness; some people mistakenly still believe that. However, most scientists and medical researchers now consider dependence on alcohol or drugs to be a long-term illness, like asthma, hypertension (high blood pressure), or diabetes. Most people who drink alcohol drink very little, and many people can stop taking drugs without a struggle. However, some people develop a substance use disorder—use of alcohol or drugs that is compulsive or dangerous (or both). www.samhsa.gov
Drugs have a more drastic effect on children and teens than on adults because the brain continues to develop until about age 25. As children grow older, the brain develops unevenly. The parts of the brain in charge of coordination, emotion, and motivation develop much more quickly than the parts that control reasoning and impulse. That is why teens seem to respond emotionally much more often than adults. It’s also why they’re more prone to risk-taking behavior. In addition, a developing brain is more easily damaged than a fully matured brain. www.DrugRehab.com
Tennessee Children’s Home is a level II facility that provides care for teenage boys with moderate clinical needs who are unable to live at home or in a foster home, and who require temporary care in a group or residential setting. The treatment consists of residential behavioral intervention using the EQIUP model to provide a highly structured home and school environment. Individual and Family counseling, family involvement and residential counseling helps to support both our youth and their families struggling with behavioral issues and substance abuse.
Our program has weekly substance abuse group education that follows the nationally recognized curriculum: Hazelton Living in Balance program. This curriculum covers the following: assessment of mental and physical needs, treatment planning, individual assignments, education about substance use disorders, life skills training, maintaining sobriety, relapse prevention training, individual and family therapy and finally advocating of continued support from a twelve-step group or support from their family and friends.
We offer aftercare services that help our youth to transition back into their home and community and ensure a successful reunification.
[1] tn.gov (link)