FAQ – Residential Drug Rehab for Teens

Ember Recovery has served Iowa’s youth since the 1970s.

Our residential youth substance use treatment centers at Ember Recovery have already helped nearly 5,000 young people in their recovery. We provide separate programs that help teens ages 12-17 and young adults ages 18-24 build the skills they need to maintain healthy relationships and prevent relapse.

The typical length of our residential program is three to four months. Spending more time immersed in a therapeutic environment increases the chances of long-term recovery. All of our counselors are well-trained on issues of substance use and motivating youth to reach their full potential.

Our trauma-informed Ember Recovery is located in central and north-central Iowa. At Ember, students will participate in experiential therapies that help build personal confidence and accelerate growth.

The Ember Recovery financial team works closely with every family to find payment options that work for them. We accept most major insurance plans as well as Medicaid and private pay. Payment plans may also be available.

Consider these frequently asked questions to understand youth addiction and the importance of a youth substance use treatment program.

1. What Substances Do You Treat?

Many parents ask “if my kid is only drinking alcohol or smoking weed, do they need drug rehab?” The short answer to this question is, Yes.
Substance use disorder is characterized by a recurring need or desire to continue taking a substance despite harmful consequences. Here is a list of the most common substances teens and young adults use that Ember Recovery can help with:

Alcohol
Marijuana
Opioids (Percocet, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Fentanyl, etc.)
Methamphetamine
Hallucinogens
Prescription drugs (muscle relaxants, painkillers, Xanax, etc.)
OTC (cold medicine)
Cocaine
Inhalants
MDMA
Synthetic drugs (K2, Spice, Bath Salts)

If you don’t see a substance on the list above, but your child is using it, please contact us today for help!

2. Can I Commit My Child to a Drug Rehab Center?

Laws that allow parents to force their child into an inpatient or outpatient program for addiction treatment vary by state. In Iowa, where Ember Recovery is located, state law supports a parent’s right to seek appropriate mental health care for a minor child.¹

However, families who reside outside of Iowa and wish to seek assistance from Ember Recovery will need to confirm the laws in their state. Contact our admissions counselors for guidance if you are unsure how to proceed.

3. What Is the Drug Rehab Success Rate for Teens and Young Adults?

Rehab success rates depend on various factors, including what type of substance a teen or young adult is addicted to, the quality and length of the program they participate in, and the support they receive after treatment is complete.

Addiction is a chronic disease with relapse rates similar to other chronic diseases like hypertension or asthma. Approximately 50% of people treated for substance use disorders experience a relapse.² However, relapse does not mean rehab was unsuccessful. It means treatments must be adjusted.

4. Will Drug Rehab Help My Child?

Yes, youth substance use treatment at Ember Recovery can help. Getting kids into a drug-free environment where they receive evidence-based therapies from healthcare professionals does more than address drug use.

During treatment, teens learn coping and communication skills that will benefit every aspect of their lives. Teens and young adults with co-occurring mental health disorders receive the treatments they need to avoid drug use and maintain good mental health for a lifetime.

5. What Is Inpatient Teen and Young Adult Drug Rehab?

Inpatient rehab is also known as residential rehab treatment. Ember Recovery provides a safe, homelike environment for teens away from negative influences. Teens and young adults are supervised 24 hours a day while receiving customized treatments based on their individual needs.

Our youth substance use treatment programs include individual, group, and family therapy, gender-specific programming, and the educational support needed to help students maintain or improve their academic standing.

6. Which Indicator Suggests that a Teen or Young Adult May Be Using Drugs?

Several signs indicate a teen or young adult may be using drugs. Secretiveness, a decline in school performance, poor personal hygiene, isolating from family members, and showing signs of depression are among the most common warning signs. Finding drugs or drug paraphernalia is a strong indicator your child is using drugs.

7. How Should I Intervene if I Suspect My Teen or Young Adult Is Using Drugs?

The first step is to stay calm. Yelling, blaming, and making threats will only make it harder for your child to accept treatment. Second, seek professional help. Call Ember Recovery and speak with one of our trained counselors about the best options for helping your child. Our counselors will explain the admissions procedure and provide you with the resources you need to get your child the help they need.

8. How Many Teens, Kids, and Young Adults Die from Overdose Drug Use Every Year?

Sadly, the number of fatal overdoses among teens and young adults is rising. The JAMA Network reports that overdose deaths among youth rose from 518 in 2010 to 954 in 2020.³ In addition, opioid overdose deaths among teens and young adults are rising much faster than among other populations, according to the JAMA Network report.

9. What Leads to Teen and Young Adult Drug Use?

There are many reasons teens use drugs. The most common reasons are peer pressure, curiosity, boredom, stress relief, and a need to relieve emotional pain. Each person’s journey is different, which is why personalized treatment plans are important for recovery. Ember Recovery considers each individual’s needs when developing a youth substance use treatment plan.

10. How Can Treatment Help Teens and Young Adults Who Were Using Drugs?

Drug use treatment helps teens by addressing any core issues that may have initially led to drug use. Improving self-esteem, healing trauma, providing teens with healthy coping skills, and engaging the child’s family in a positive, supportive way are all part of addiction treatment. Ongoing support through our alumni network provides continuing care after initial treatment has been completed.

11. Where Can Teens and Young Adults Go for Help with Drug Use?

Teens and young adults need a place to share openly without fear of being judged or punished. A youth substance use treatment program like Ember Recovery that provides evidence-based treatments from experienced addiction specialists offers your child the best chance to enjoy a happy, healthy future.

12. How Can I Drug Test My Child Without Them Knowing?

It is not typically recommended to drug test your child without their knowledge, but each case is different, and sometimes parents need to take unusual steps to safeguard their child’s well-being. Hair testing is the most viable option for covert drug testing. However, if you suspect your teen is using drugs, a better option may be to call Ember Recovery and learn more about our youth substance use treatment program.

13. What to Do if My Child Is Doing Drugs?

If you suspect your child is using substances, start with a heart-to-heart conversation. Trauma, mental health concerns, and low self-esteem are some of the reasons teens turn to drug use in the first place. Your child may struggle emotionally and feel they have no one to talk to about their circumstances. Talk to them candidly about the benefits of attending a program for youth substance use treatment. Let them know you are on their side.

14. What to Say to My Son Who Is Trying to Quit Drugs?

Parents who are unsure how to communicate with a child struggling with addiction will benefit from participating in family therapy and Al-Anon meetings. Learning how to support your child while maintaining healthy boundaries and not enabling drug use is key. Just as youth need to learn new skills during youth substance use treatment, parents may also need to learn new skills that support their child’s recovery.

FAQ – Residential Drug Rehab for Teens and Young Adults