More kids and teens than ever have been overdosing on opioids like fentanyl, but treatment options are far and few between, according to an article on Axios.  Due to limited treatment options and sparse healthcare coverage, many minors don’t get the help they need.

While mental health is covered by insurance, there’s limited research on the efficacy of drug treatment programs for teens or minors. There are also fewer funds for this, with programs aimed at young people focusing on prevention. Treatment centers are typically private and cost-prohibitive or run by a local mental department.

Teens and Kids with Substance Use Disorder

Parents try to get help for adolescents’ substance use disorders, but there are barriers. More than half of the US has children who get Medicaid, which pays for treatment but is not often taken by specialized drug treatment programs. “Medicaid can’t make providers appear out of thin air,” said Lindsey Browning, director of Medicaid programming at the National Association of Medicaid Directors. While Medicaid does cover more services, they also have a limited amount they’re willing to pay for such services. Many providers prefer to skip Medicaid patients because of this and the bureaucracy of dealing with the government.

Because of the limited options, kids with drug problems usually end up in the waiting room of an ER with their parents. They may be given a psych bed with some luck, but more often than not, there’s no space for a child to enter a program. They’re then placed on a waiting list. While new funds from opioid lawsuits offer some hope of funding, there is a desperate need for providers treating younger people with substance use issues.

Types of Treatment Available for Kids and Teens

Various addiction treatment options are available for teens and kids diagnosed with a substance use disorder. The choice of treatment will depend on the individual’s needs and the severity of the addiction.

Inpatient or residential treatment programs are available for adolescents, where they receive 24/7 care and support in a structured environment. These programs often include therapy, education, and counseling. While there are many inpatient treatment centers to choose from, they are almost all private.

Mental health departments usually have programs that will host outpatient programs. These programs allow teens to live at home while attending treatment sessions during the day or evening. This can be a suitable option for those with less severe addiction issues.

Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy, are often used to help teens and their loved ones understand and address the underlying causes of their substance use. They will learn about the nature of their disorder and begin to gain an understanding of their addiction and the behaviors attached to it.

Adolescents also can get help from support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which both have 12-step meetings and events designed specifically for young people.

Dangers of Substance Use Disorder Among Young People

Young people are still growing and are more vulnerable to the effects of different drugs. The adolescent brain is still developing, making it more susceptible to the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol. Substance use during this critical period can impact cognitive functioning, memory, and emotional regulation.

Teens are also more prone to risk-taking behavior, which can lead to dangerous behavior under the influence of drugs and alcohol. They may also underestimate the risks of substance use and ignore warnings about highly addictive drugs. Substance use can exacerbate or trigger mental health disorders already prevalent among adolescents.

Teens already diagnosed with mental health disorders or who have lived through trauma are more likely to develop a substance use disorder. Using drugs at a young age also is a warning sign, so if your child is caught using drugs, seek help. Your insurance company or local mental health department can help find resources.

It’s crucial for parents, guardians, and caregivers to be aware of the signs of substance use in adolescents, communicate openly, and seek professional help when necessary. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can greatly improve the chances of recovery for young people.