Once a substance abuse disorder is recognized, early invention is critical. Research shows that early intervention is the most effective way to help someone before their condition progresses.[1] Residential programs for youth provide the necessary treatment care that young people need to get sober. As we examine the many benefits of early intervention, we’ll also look at the signs of early substance use so you know what to look for to help someone get into a treatment program.
What Does Early Intervention Include?
When a substance use disorder is detected early, it can include many different factors, such as:
- Assessment to determine the disorder
- Intervention to stop substance use
- Referrals to detox and treatment centers
- Support and follow-up
- Family involvement so that those around can better understand the addiction and recovery process
The goal of early intervention is to get someone the help they need before they further harm themselves or those around them.
Why Early Intervention is Important to Battle Substance Use Disorders
Can Improve Treatment Outcomes
Early intervention is not only vital to preventing an addiction from worsening, as was mentioned above, but it can also help to achieve long-term sobriety. Those who have early intervention are less likely to experience relapses that can impact sobriety.
Helps to Save Lives
When students enter a treatment program, it can help to save their lives because substance use disorders can be fatal. Statistics show that in 2022 alone, an average of 22 young people ages 14-18 died from a drug overdose each week in the United States.[2] This was mainly driven by fentanyl that was discovered in counterfeit pills.
Early intervention can also help save the lives of others who are around those using substances. Those who abuse alcohol and get behind the wheel can hurt innocents. Early intervention can help to prevent these types of accidents from happening.
Can Help to Treat Mental Health Conditions
Many young people who have a substance use disorder also experience mental health problems. Those with a dual diagnosis can significantly benefit from early intervention because they can get help for their mental health problems simultaneously. Therapy and other interventions can help young people battle both of these demons so that they can live sober and happy lives.
Helps to Preserve Physical Well-Being
Having an addiction to drugs or alcohol can severely impact a person’s body as it strains organs and can cause irreversible damage. The physical impact substances can have on the body include:[3]
- Changes in Heart Rate & Breathing
- Trouble Speaking
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Chest Pain
- Abdominal Problems
Signs of Early Substance Use
Many times, family friends don’t detect signs of substance use until it’s too late. Being aware of the signs can lead to getting much-needed early intervention. Here are signs to look for:
Problems at School or Work
Missing school or poor grades in a student who excelled can be a sign that a young person is using drugs or alcohol. For those young adults in the workforce, missing shifts at work and not getting the job done can also signal a drug or alcohol problem.
Physical Signs
Extreme weight loss or weight gain, as well as red eyes, can all be signs of substance use. Lack of grooming and having a neglected appearance are also signs to watch for.
Lack of Interest in Activities
If someone suddenly does not want to participate in activities they used to enjoy or suddenly has new friends, you’ll want to investigate the underlying reasons for this behavior. A sudden behavior change that leads to isolation can also be a sign that something is wrong.
Missing Money
When money or valuables suddenly go missing, you’ll want to look to see who is responsible. Many times, young people may steal money to buy drugs and alcohol. They may also look to sell items to get money for this purpose.
If you notice any of these signs in your loved one, you’ll want to look a little closer to see what is causing this type of behavior and if drug and alcohol use are to blame.
Seek Residential Programs for Youth With Ember Recovery
Ember Recovery provides residential programs for youth ages 12-17 and adult males ages 18-24. We know the importance of early intervention, which is why we offer customized treatment plans to help each young person address their addictions.
Our team provides a trauma-informed recovery treatment program that allows a safe and welcoming place to overcome substance use disorders. We also address issues young people face during their treatment programs and the coping skills that are necessary during the transition to home and the outside world.
Contact us today to learn more about our wide variety of treatment programs.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424859/# [2] https://www.uclahealth.org/news/release/about-22-high-school-age-adolescents-died-each-week# [3] https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/substance-use-disorder/physical-neurological-effects-of-addiction [4] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112
Andrea Dickerson is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Substance Use Counselor who has worked in behavioral health since 1997. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing the Ember residential treatment programs and YSS outpatient counseling clinics throughout Central and North Central Iowa. She became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer in 2006 and provides MI trainings throughout Iowa.
Andrea specializes in working with adolescents and their families and enjoys seeing the family relationships grow through therapy. Andrea is also a CARF International Surveyor, going around North America ensuring behavioral health organizations are meeting required standards.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, as well as being an active member of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), a global organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. She has been a member of the SI of Des Moines club since 2012 and has been actively involved at the regional level, currently serving as Co-Governor of the Peaks to Plains Region.
Through her involvement in SIA, Andrea has been actively involved in the Dream Programs, coordinating annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls projects, which give girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.