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How Do Sober Living Houses Work?

by with No Comment Recovery

They often say that recovery doesn’t end when the individual leaves rehab. Instead, recovery is usually just beginning, and the individual must prove they’re ready to apply what they learned in rehab. This transition is one of the most crucial moments in the addiction recovery process. 

Some individuals will handle this transition with ease. They’ll start a new chapter in their life and will immediately find success in their recovery after rehab. Others, unfortunately, won’t have such an easy transition and will struggle to grow independent from drugs following rehab. 

The good news is those people aren’t alone, and there are programs out there designed to make this transition easier. That’s where sober living houses come into play – which we’ll discuss in more detail below!

What is Sober Living?

Sober living, also known as transitional living, is a program that allows former drug addicts to successfully transition from addiction treatment to independent living – free of drugs and harmful substances. These individuals are under direct clinical supervision during their residency. 

Once proof of sobriety is achieved (in rehab or in general), individuals have two options – return to normal living without the direct supervision of a professional or continue that transition with professional help. Sober living facilities provide that professional help during the transition.

Sober houses, unlike halfway houses, don’t require the individual to be involved in rehab. However, they require the individual to be sober, with the main goal of maintaining that sobriety. It helps the individual transition back into a society that doesn’t involve using drugs. 

How Do Sober Living Houses Work?

In order to be accepted into and continue staying at a sober living house, individuals must follow a number of rules set forth by the sober living facility. For example, they must’ve completed detox and be working towards long-term sobriety. They also must pay monthly rent and fees. 

Individuals will have certain responsibilities and household duties that must be completed without complaint. They must attend house meetings and support group meetings and are generally required to stay a minimum of three months (90 days) before making the transition.

There are four primary levels of sober houses. Level 1 sober living has minimal requirements. Level 2 involves being monitored by paid staff, Level 3 involves being supervised by certified staff, and Level 4 involves adding credentialed staff and integrating clinical facilities.

What is it Like in a Sober Living House?

Individuals learn a lot of important skills and behaviors when living in a sober house. For example, they learn how to live with others, how to budget their expenses, manage their time, hold themselves accountable for their actions, control their behavior, and find purpose in life.

Living in a sober living house can often be broken down into three major phases. Let’s take a closer look:

  • Restrictive Phase – involves a mental detox that helps introduce the individual to living in a sobriety house. Restrictions are often at their peak during this stage as they transition.
  • Reintroduction Phase – during this stage, the individual gains some freedom and is usually allowed to attend work and school. They start gaining basic responsibilities. 
  • Self-Sufficiency Phase – this stage is where the individual starts to make their own decisions, though they are asked to report to staff. Eventually, they transition to independent living. 

There are also a number of requirements that individuals must meet and maintain while living in a sober house. Let’s take a closer look: 

  • No drugs, alcohol, or other harmful substances that might trigger a relapse.
  • Frequent and random drug tests or screenings to hold individuals accountable.
  • No overnight guests and limited transportation, especially in the early stages. 
  • Individuals must participate in a combination of support groups and house meetings.
  • Must be involved in some form of work, schooling, or outpatient program.
  • Must be well-received by others living in the house and not cause any issues. 
  • Residents usually have a number of chores and responsibilities to complete around the house.
  • Residents must keep up with the monthly rent and fees associated with living in a sobriety house. 
  • No sexual relationships with other residents in the sober house. 

Every sober living house is different, but they all have the same goal – to help the individual transition back into a normal lifestyle that doesn’t involve the use of drugs or other harmful substances. Under direct supervision, individuals are in a controlled environment every day. 

How to Find Sober Living in California

Are you looking for sober living houses in Southern California? Have you recently completed treatment for addiction recovery? Do you feel like you’re not fully ready to make the transition to independent living? Are you worried you might relapse if you don’t have the necessary supervision and support? If so, then don’t worry; you’re not alone!
Here at The Last House, we specialize and take pride in our ability to give individuals the necessary tools, resources, guidance, and assistance when making that transition back to everyday life. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment program or sign up for sober living!

What is Family Therapy and How Does it Help in the Recovery Process?

What is Family Therapy and How Does it Help in the Recovery Process?

by with No Comment treatment

Millions of people all around the world are struggling with addiction every single day. It threatens their way of life, their integrity, and their health – physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially. Without the right help, an addict may never truly get over their addiction.

With that said, addiction is a family disease, meaning it has an impact on more than just the addict. It affects the addict’s parents, their siblings, grandparents, and any other family members that play a significant role in the addict’s life. Everyone needs to be a part of the recovery process. 

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction, help is available. And while no two people are the same and no two treatments are the same, you and your family could benefit from family therapy – a unique form of therapy designed to help the family grow stronger. 

What is family therapy?

Most of us know what psychotherapy is. It’s a form of therapy designed to change an individual’s thoughts, behaviors, and emotions for the better. The same is true with family group therapy – the only difference being that the whole family is involved, not just the individual.

Family therapy generally isn’t a long-term treatment option and doesn’t always include all family members. Instead, it’s usually utilized on a short-term basis, and only those closest to the situation or willing to undergo family support therapy will join. Those that join will heal together. 

The main goal of family therapy is to help family members resolve conflicts, understand how certain behaviors affect other family members, learn how to communicate with family members, and how to relate with one another. It’s where family members grow closer. 

How Does Addiction Impact Families?

Addiction can impact a family in a variety of ways. For example, it often results in conflict, a lack of trust, arguments, abuse, violence, isolation, and a lack of communication. As the addict continues their behavior, the family grows more distant and may even grow to detest them. 

With that said, it can also cause a great deal of worry, sadness, disappointment, and paranoia over what might happen next. Continued drug and substance use can result in legal trouble, injury, or even death – all things that can weigh on the conscience of each family member. 

Families are supposed to love each other. They’re supposed to support each other, be there for one another, and help each other thrive in life. All these things start to deteriorate when a family member is addicted to drugs. At the end of the day, all they want is their family member back. 

Why is Family Group Therapy Important in Recovery?

While addiction can tear a family apart from the bottom to the top, family group therapy can help piece that family back together. Addiction impacts everyone in the family, and that means everyone needs to learn how to overcome these difficult moments – and family therapy helps. 

Let’s take a look at four major elements of family support therapy for addiction:

  • Engagement – this usually involves getting the family members involved in the therapy, but most importantly, getting everyone invested in the overall goals of the treatment. 
  • Reframing – this usually involves analyzing and reframing the relationships between family members. It’s designed to help families understand the motives behind behaviors.
  • Behavioral Change – once the motives are understood by each family member, the therapy shifts toward changing those behaviors and introducing healthier habits. 
  • Restructuring – the final major element involves restructuring the family’s beliefs, premises, rules, standards, and expectations for long-term, sustained success.

Some of the major benefits of family therapy for addiction are the engagement, understanding, education, communication, and support gained on all fronts. Family members learn how to manage emotions or feelings and express those emotions practically and productively. 

How to Find Family Support Therapy Programs Near Me

Family support therapy goes a long way in helping a family overcome, recover, and heal from the many downfalls of addiction. It truly impacts each family member differently, and this generally requires a unique and personalized human approach to drug addiction treatment. 

At The Last House, we believe in allowing every family member to thrive in life. We provide sober living in Los Angeles and ensure each of our residents has access to the proper therapy, medication, support, resources, and tools to succeed. We also make sure the family has what they need to recover together. 
Addiction is a family disease, but family therapy could be the key to a new life for everyone involved – one that’s filled with love, joy, health, happiness, and support for one another. Contact us today to learn more about how The Last House can help you and your family succeed!

Why Do Teens Use Drugs?

Why Do Teens Use Drugs?

by with No Comment addiction

To combat teen drug use, it is crucial to understand why do teens use drugs in the first place. In a child’s earliest years, the parents are responsible for making the right decisions to ensure their child’s safety, development, growth, and health. As the child enters their pre-teenage and teenage years, they start to make their own decisions and form their own, unique personality.

These teenage years are critical to the child’s overall outlook on life, but they can be extremely worrisome for the parent. Their child will be exposed to a world of new risks and dangers that could have a negative impact on their ability to live a healthy, happy, and rewarding lifestyle. 

Of all the risks teenagers encounter, one of the most dangerous is the use of drugs and other harmful substances. It can lead to a number of other bad decisions and could result in drug abuse or drug addiction as they grow older. As we know, this often leads to self-harm or death.

Why do teens use drugs?

The CDC estimates that two-thirds of all seniors have tried alcohol at least once. Nearly half of all high school students have tried marijuana, about 40% of high schoolers have smoked a cigarette, and nearly 20% have taken a prescription drug without a medical prescription. 

Teen drug use is a growing problem in this country, but why do teens use drugs? Well, let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons:

  • To satisfy boredom
  • To experiment; satisfy curiosity
  • To forget their problems; feel good
  • To ease their pain
  • To feel grown-up; feel independent
  • To fit in; give in to peer pressure
  • To improve performance (academically, athletically)
  • They’ve become addicted to the drug

With that said, some factors can help reduce a child’s chance of using or abusing drugs. This includes having a good relationship with their parents, having high self-esteem, surrounding themselves with the right people, and staying busy with extracurricular activities.

What Drugs are Commonly Abused by Teens?

It can be a bit unsettling to know that teenagers are using or abusing drugs, and that feeling only grows more intense when we learn the many different types of drugs teenagers are using. When you consider the consequences, especially at such an early age, it’s a harrowing reality.

Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly abused drugs by teenagers:

  • Alcohol – since alcohol is readily available in most teenagers’ homes, it’s often one of the first drugs or substances they try. To avoid this, keep your alcohol hidden from kids. 
  • Nicotine – similar to alcohol, tobacco products are readily available in homes throughout the world. While tobacco is legal for those above the age of 18, it should be avoided. 
  • Marijuana – with many states legalizing marijuana, it’s available and accessible now more than ever. It doesn’t take much for a teenager to get their hands on some. 
  • Prescription Drugs – many children and teenagers are under the assumption that prescription drugs are safe and unharmful, since they’re prescribed by a doctor. 
  • Over-the-Counter Drugs – since over-the-counter drugs are in most medicine cabinets in the home, they’re easy for teenagers to use and abuse. 
  • K2 (Spice) – also known as synthetic marijuana, spice is a very common drug among teenagers that can’t get access to marijuana. K2 (spice) is a highly-addictive drug. 

Some drugs are more addictive and dangerous than others, but there’s absolutely no reason why teenagers should be misusing or abusing any of the drugs listed above. It can cause a great deal of distress not just in your life, but in the lives of those that love and care about you.

What are the Signs of Teen Drug Use?

Now that you know what causes teens to use drugs and why teenagers try drugs, you’ll also want to familiarize yourself with the many different signs of teen drug use. By detecting it early, you can begin the process of teaching your child the dangers and risks involved in drug use.

Here are some of the most common signs of teenage drug use:

  • Lack of interest in hobbies they once loved
  • Hanging out with the wrong crowd
  • Change in sleeping habits
  • Frequently breaking the rules
  • Physical signs, including weight loss, red eyes, bloody noses, and tremors
  • Avoiding contact, acting distant, or isolating themselves
  • Engaging in secretive or suspicious activity
  • Stealing money, cigarettes, or alcohol
  • Poor performance in school
  • Constantly asking for money

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, don’t hesitate to take action. Consider contacting their primary doctor or pediatrician to discuss the next steps. If you believe it’s needed, you can also seek the help of a treatment program designed to help teenage drug users.

How to Find Drug and Alcohol Treatment for Teens

There are so many reasons why teens do drugs, and while they’re more accessible now than ever, that doesn’t mean children should use, misuse, or abuse them. If you believe your child is using drugs, there are things you can start doing today to ensure that it comes to an end.
That’s where we come in. At The Last House, we take great pride in our ability to provide sober living in Los Angeles. If you’d like to learn more about men’s sober living program in Los Angeles, contact us immediately!

What is SMART Recovery?

What is SMART Recovery?

by with No Comment Recovery

When you are ready to put struggles with addiction in the past, there are many individualized treatment methods and options you can use to reach your sobriety goals. Both the struggles of addiction and the journey to recovery are unique to the individual. Choosing a program that is the right fit is vital to achieving and maintaining lasting sobriety. At the Last House, we offer sober living programs for men seeking recovery in the safest and most effective way possible. SMART Recovery is a common option used in this process. Learn what is SMART Recovery and how it is used.

What is SMART Recovery?

Peer support and recovery programs like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous) are familiar to many. Based on the traditional 12 step process, these programs have helped millions of people overcome addiction and maintain lasting sobriety since they were first developed more than 80 years ago. Despite their notable successes, however, these programs (if the traditional steps are followed) have a strong religious element that some people find uncomfortable. SMART Recovery programs offer an alternative option to a conventional 12 Step model.

SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. SMART Recovery programs offer support and guidance for anyone who is ready to overcome drug or alcohol addiction. An additional benefit to SMART Recovery groups is that they are proven effective in helping those with co-occurring behavioral and emotional disorders. Like other evidence-based therapy models (cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), etc.), SMART Recovery helps addicts seeking recovery learn and practice safer, healthier ways to control addictive behaviors through examining and understanding the root causes of those behaviors.

How is SMART Recovery Different From 12 Step Programs?

There are several differences between 12 step programs and SMART Recovery programs. One such difference is mentioned in the paragraphs above. 12 step programs focus heavily on turning to a higher power as part of your recovery. SMART Recovery programs have a more secular focus.

Also, the 12 steps require participants to accept or admit that they are “powerless” over their addiction. SMART Recovery programs, on the other hand, focus on personal empowerment. Instead of 12 steps, SMART Recovery groups focus on specific skills as part of a 4-point program of healing. Although the program has four points, there is no particular order of the treatment process. SMART Recovery encourages you to address what you need when you need to, and therefore, although there is a list of points, you can address them in any order you choose, which differs from proceeding in order through the 12 steps. While one can return to a previous step in the 12 steps, the program is not designed to “skip around” through the steps.

The points in SMART Recovery are designed to help address and treat addiction by providing tips, tools, and exercises you can use to manage triggers and manage sobriety. The four points include:

  • Living a balanced life
  • Coping with urges
  • Building and maintaining motivation
  • Managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors

SMART Recovery groups also offer a different perspective on addiction and relapse. SMART Recovery teachings do not use the same “labels” as many other rehab models. For example, participants are not referred to as “addicts,” and addiction is not referred to as a “disease.” These terms are not in line with the self-empowerment goals of SMART Recovery. The journey to recovery is not considered a lifelong process as it is with the 12 steps. Once you complete the program, you can “graduate” from recovery and start over, free from drugs and alcohol.

Are There Online SMART Recovery Meetings?

Yes. Online SMART Recovery meetings are available in many areas. In addition to peer support meetings online, many SMART Recovery programs offer online chat options, messaging options, and other online tools designed to ensure you can access the help and support you need when you need it.

How to Find SMART Recovery Meetings

Traditional 12 step programs and treatment models continue to help many find lasting sobriety. However, some people may find alternative therapy options beneficial to their overall treatment plan. Here at the Last House, we include SMART Recovery options in our therapy models to ensure anyone motivated to seek help can achieve wellness and sobriety. Because SMART Recovery programs are proven beneficial as part of a treatment program for co-occurring conditions (such as depression and addiction or anxiety and addiction), providing SMART Recovery as a treatment option opens the door to recovery for anyone ready to put struggles with addiction in the past. Contact us today to learn more about our luxury sober living and SMART Recovery programs.

Why are Teens More Vulnerable to Addiction?

Why are Teens More Vulnerable to Addiction?

by with No Comment addiction

Teens have been found to be vulnerable to addiction when they start experimenting with drugs, and rates have been rising over the years. Alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco are the substances that are most commonly used by young adults. Unfortunately, there are some risks of substance use that are unique to teens and young adults. For example, drug use can affect their growth and development, especially with the brain, frequently occurs with other risky behaviors, and can contribute to other health problems in their adult life such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders. 

What Causes Addiction?

The development of an addiction first starts in the brain. It starts with a neurotransmitter known as dopamine, which is a chemical in the brain that causes us to feel happiness. Typically daily activities that can release this neurotransmitter include things like eating your favorite dessert, seeing a family member, or doing a hobby that you enjoy. When drugs are ingested, an excessive amount of dopamine is released in the brain, causing a more intense form of happiness known as euphoria, which is known as the “high” that drugs cause. Because this high is very pleasurable and much more intense than typical daily activities can achieve, individuals will often continue using drugs to chase that high. This behavior leads to addiction and dependence on drugs. 

How is Teen Addiction Different?

Teen addiction is slightly different because they are often used for different reasons that adults report for using substances. For example, teens are highly influenced by their peers and may be more inclined to give in to peer pressure to use substances and “fit in.” Some teens also have difficult home lives that they are trying to cope with that are mostly out of their control until they are old enough to move out on their own. Additionally, teens are often not equipped with the tools to cope with peer pressure and other life stressors in the way that adults are, so they may be more likely to turn to drugs to cope if they are exposed to them. 

Why are Teens More Vulnerable to Addiction?

Teens have been found to be more vulnerable to developing an addiction if they start experimenting with drugs at this age. Some reasons for why they are more vulnerable to addiction include:

  • Teens do not experience withdrawals as intensely as adults do. Therefore, this is not something that may deter them from using the substance. 
  • Teens’ brains are more focused on the reward they get from the dopamine release than they are about the negative effects of drugs. Therefore, using reasoning skills is difficult for them because their brains are biased. 
  • Their frontal lobe is still developing. The frontal lobe is what is used when reasoning skills are being used and developed. In addition to their brains being more focused on the reward they get from dopamine, they are also not equipped to weigh the pros and cons of experimenting or mixing drugs, to begin with. 

How to Find Teen Drug and Alcohol Rehab

It can be challenging to try to help your child with their addiction. It’s tough when they are not ready for treatment. However, talking with them, going over their options, and letting them know that you will always be there for support can be helpful. Once they are ready for treatment, it’s important to point them in the right direction of trusted mental health professionals that are trained in substance use. The Last House can help. 

The Last House has been around for over ten years to help men strive to achieve sobriety in their life. We offer a supportive environment with skilled staff whose passion is to help those with addiction concerns and services that promote building skills to maintain a sober lifestyle. Our program includes groups, therapy, accountability, and exploring sober activities. When you leave The Last House, you will leave with long-lasting connections and the skills you need to continue your sobriety long-term. The Last House is connected with Thrive Treatment to easily contact quality treatment teams to ensure the care you are getting is consistent. 
Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help you.

Top 10 Most Common Drugs Abused by Teens

Top 10 Most Common Drugs Abused by Teens

by with No Comment addiction

Teens often experiment with drugs for many different reasons. Although alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana are the most common substances used by teens, there are many others that parents and caregivers should be aware of that are also commonly abused. Some are prescription or over-the-counter drugs that are abused, and some are entirely illegal drugs. 

What are the 10 Most Common Drugs Abused By Teens?

The following data represents the most common drugs abused by teens and the percentage of teens that have used each substance in the past year. 

  1. Alcohol
  2. Tobacco/Nicotine
  3. Marijuana: 36.4%  
  4. Amphetamines: 8.7% (the top drug used in this category being Adderall at 7.4%)
  5. Synthetic marijuana: 7.9%
  6. Prescription painkillers: 7.1% (the most common drugs in this category are Vicodin at 5.4% and OxyContin at 3.6%)
  7. Cough medicine: 5.0%
  8. Sedatives: 4.8%
  9. Tranquilizers: 4.6%
  10. Hallucinogens: 4.5%

Why Do Teens Abuse Drugs?

There are many reasons teens might abuse drugs. It depends on the individual, their personality, environment, and more. Some reasons that teens may abuse substances include: 

  • Trying to fit in – Teens will often use drugs when they perceive that everyone else their age is doing it. They don’t want to miss out, and they want to be able to fit in, so they experiment with drugs too. This is especially true for teens who have a friend group actively using drugs.
  • To feel high – Drug use can cause the brain to release a lot of chemicals that cause a “high” or a feeling of euphoria. Teens will often experiment with drugs in effort of chasing this high.
  • To ease difficult emotions – Teens will often use drugs to feel better when they are experiencing depression, anxiety, or stress. They may use it to numb the pain or to experience euphoria in place of that emotion. 
  • To increase performance – Teens may often use stimulants such as Adderall to improve performance athletically or academically.
  • To experiment – Teens may just be curious about what it is like to do certain drugs and try them for this sole reason. 

What are Signs of Teen Drug Abuse?

Sudden changes in behavior without a clear explanation for the change are often an indication that substance use may be an issue. Here are some signs to look out for: 

  • Frequently changing friends.
  • Decreased participation in activities that they used to enjoy or withdrawing from social circles. This can include quitting sports teams or clubs they used to enjoy, staying in their bedrooms more often, not talking to family members, or not going out on outings with old friends. 
  • Breaking the rules, such as curfew, and coming up with fabricated explanations for this behavior. 
  • Unusual aggressive outbursts. It may feel like walking on eggshells around them because they are unusually irritable. 
  • Confronting them about possible substance use is met with an angry reaction. 
  • Their grades start to slip noticeably, and they start skipping class or entire schooldays. 
  • Mood swings.
  • Bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, or pinpoint pupils. 
  • A general lack of motivation affecting their school behavior, hygiene, and household chores. 
  • Uncharacteristic behavior, such as stealing, lying, or disrespecting authority figures.

How to Find Addiction Treatment For Teens

It can be challenging to try to help your child with their addiction. It’s tough when they are not ready for treatment. However, talking with them, going over their options, and letting them know that you will always be there for support can be helpful. Once they are ready for treatment, it’s important to point them in the right direction of trusted mental health professionals that are trained in substance use. The Last House can help. 

The Last House has been around for over ten years to help men strive to achieve sobriety in their life. We offer a supportive environment with skilled staff whose passion is to help those with addiction concerns and services that promote building skills to maintain a sober lifestyle. Our program includes groups, therapy, accountability, and exploring sober activities. When you leave The Last House, you will leave with long-lasting connections and the skills you need to continue your sobriety long-term. The Last House is connected with Thrive Treatment to easily contact quality treatment teams to ensure the care you are getting is consistent. 
Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help you.

Essential Teen Mental Health Statistics 2021

Essential Teen Mental Health Statistics 2021

by with No Comment mental health

Rates of mental illness and substance use disorders have continued to rise in teens. Teen years are supposed to be full of fun and mostly positive experiences, but unfortunately, this is not the case for many teens. Many teens’ fun is overridden by mental health or substance use concerns. It’s important that parents and caregivers stay knowledgeable about this prevalence and warning signs to look out for so that they can help their teen if issues arise. 

How Many Teens Experience Mental Health Disorders?

Mental disorders are very prevalent in teens, such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and trauma-related disorders. According to the 2021 survey data, 13.84% of teens have had at least one major depressive episode in 2021, which is an increase of 260,000 cases from the previous year. This same survey found that 9.7% of teens have a severe major depressive disorder, which is an increase of 126,000 from the previous year. Depressive disorders are characterized by low mood and loss of interest or pleasure that impact daily functioning, such as sleep, concentration, relationships, and more. If left untreated in youth, it is more likely to persist into adulthood. Teens with depressive disorders are often comorbidly diagnosed with anxiety disorders, behavioral issues, and substance use disorders. 

Unfortunately, access to appropriate care for teens has continued to be an issue into 2021. Almost 60% of teens with major depression did not receive any mental health care. Additionally, less than 1% of teens with a mental illness have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). These plans were originally designed to help provide accommodations for youth experiencing mental illness that impacts their school performance. However, most students that qualify for this service do not receive it. Mental health concerns for teens also often go overlooked and are identified late in primary care settings. Even when a need is identified, many teens do not have access to appropriate insurance coverage and thus can’t access the care they need.

Common Warning Signs that Your Teen May be Struggling with Mental Health or Substance Use

  • Loss of interest in activities they used to like 
  • Low energy and loss of motivation
  • Change in sleeping or eating patterns
  • Increase in risky or self-destructive behavior 
  • Decreased participation in social activities, hobbies, or school performance 
  • Increase in substance use
  • Sudden change in friends
  • Increase in argumentative or defiant behavior

How Does Addiction Affect Teens?

According to the 2021 Monitoring the Future survey, 3.83% of teens have a substance use disorder. 2.85% of teens have used illicit drugs, and 1.69% of teens have used alcohol. Risk factors that make it more likely that a teen will develop a substance use disorder include early aggressive behavior, lack of parental supervision, substance abuse, drug availability, and poverty. The more risk factors a child possesses, the more vulnerable to developing a substance use disorder they become. Protective factors that can be built to help decrease their vulnerability include:

  • Building self-control.
  • Increasing parental supervision.
  • Academic competence.
  • Anti-drug use policies.
  • A strong attachment to their neighborhood.

The Last House Can Help Your Child with Addiction and Mental Health Concerns 

It can be challenging to try to help your child with their addiction. It’s tough when they are not ready for treatment. However, talking with them, going over their options, and letting them know that you will always be there for support can be helpful. Once they are ready for treatment, it’s important to point them in the right direction of trusted mental health professionals that are trained in substance use. The Last House can help. 

The Last House has been around for over ten years to help men strive to achieve sobriety in their life. We offer a supportive environment with skilled staff whose passion is to help those with addiction concerns and services that promote building skills to maintain a sober lifestyle. Our program includes groups, therapy, accountability, and exploring sober activities. When you leave The Last House, you will leave with long-lasting connections and the skills you need to continue your sobriety long-term. The Last House is connected with Thrive Treatment to easily contact quality treatment teams to ensure the care you are getting is consistent. 
Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help you.

How Does Alcohol Affect Teens?

How Does Alcohol Affect Teens?

by with No Comment addiction

Alcohol use is very prevalent among teens because it is often easily accessible and socially acceptable for them to experiment with. In fact, the legal drinking age was once set at 18 in some states and is 16 in some countries. Because it is so common, it’s important to be aware of just how prevalent it is and what signs to look out for that may indicate that your teen is struggling with alcohol use. 

How Common is Alcohol Abuse in Teens?

The Monitoring the Future results from 2019 indicated that alcohol use among teens has continued to be on the decline. However, it is still very prevalent. In 2019, rates of alcohol use in the past year were 52.1% for 12th graders, 37.7% for 10th graders, and 19.3% for 8th graders. Rates of binge drinking (defined as consuming five or more drinks in a short time) were 14.4% for 12th graders, 8.5% for 10th graders, and 3.8 % for 8th graders. 

Signs of Teen Alcohol Abuse

There are several tell-tale signs that a teen may be abusing alcohol (or other drugs), but it’s important to know that many of these signs are also often common teenage behavior. These signs are not a guarantee that a teen is using alcohol or other drugs, but they certainly indicate that something is going on with your teen and may require further assessment to determine the best intervention. Some of the common signs include: 

  • Sudden change in mood in which your teen has increased temper outbursts, often irritable, and increased defensiveness.
  • A change in academic performance, such as decreased attendance, lower grades than is routine for your teen, and increased need for disciplinary action at school. 
  • They are not interested in things they used to enjoy or generally have low energy. They often seem like “nothing matters.” 
  • Finding alcohol in your teen’s room.
  • Sudden physical or mental changes that are not typical for your teen include memory lapses, poor concentration, lack of coordination, or slurred speech. 
  • Changing friends and not wanting family members to get to know them.

How to Treat Alcoholism in Teens

The first step in treating alcoholism is detoxification. This step is not necessary for all individuals addicted to alcohol, but it is recommended to seek a medical professional’s opinion before skipping this step. Depending on the severity of the addiction to alcohol, people can have withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop use, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it’s important to evaluate a medical professional to determine if inpatient detox treatment is necessary.

Once your teen has completed detoxification, they will start at a substance use program where they will engage in individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Depending on the program, they may also have other activities available to them to help improve skills to maintain sobriety. These services may be provided in the context of a residential program, partial hospitalization, sober living home, intensive outpatient, or outpatient program. The program that a teen will need will depend on the individual teen, so it’s important to reach out to a mental health professional as soon as possible to create an individualized treatment plan.  

How to Find Teen Alcohol Rehab in Los Angeles, CA

It can be challenging to try to help your child with their addiction. It’s tough when they are not ready for treatment. However, talking with them, going over their options, and letting them know that you will always be there for support can be helpful. Once they are ready for treatment, it’s important to point them in the right direction of trusted mental health professionals that are trained in substance use. The Last House can help. 
The Last House has been around for over ten years to help men strive to achieve sobriety in their life. We offer a supportive environment with skilled staff whose passion is to help those with addiction concerns and services that promote building skills to maintain a sober lifestyle. Our program includes groups, therapy, accountability, and exploring sober activities. When you leave The Last House, you will leave with long-lasting connections and the skills you need to continue your sobriety long-term. The Last House is connected with Thrive Treatment to easily contact quality treatment teams to ensure the care you are getting is consistent. Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help you.

What are the Signs a Teen is Abusing Prescription Drugs

What are the Signs a Teen is Abusing Prescription Drugs

by with No Comment addiction

Prescription drug abuse among teens is surprisingly high. It is commonly used because it can be so easily obtained by teens. Most teens who abuse them report getting them free from family members or friends. According to a poll, 27% of teens between 12 and 19 years of age had reported using prescription drugs within the last 30 days. Abusing or misusing prescription drugs means that the individual is taking the medication that is not prescribed to them or using it inconsistent with how it is prescribed. 

Which Prescription Drugs are Abused?

There are three types of prescription drugs that are very commonly misused. The misuse of these drugs is a concern because it can lead to addiction and even death due to overdose. These drugs are known as: 

  • Opioids – These medications are usually prescribed to treat severe pain. These include oxycodone, hydrocodone, diphenoxylate, morphine, codeine, fentanyl, propoxyphene, hydromorphone, meperidine, and methadone. 
  • Depressants – These medications are usually prescribed to treat anxiety and help people sleep. There are three types of medications within this category, including barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and sleep medications. 
  • Stimulants – These medications are usually prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These include dextroamphetamine, dexmethylphenidate/amphetamine combination, and dexmethylphenidate. 

What are the Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse?

Sudden changes in behavior without a clear explanation for the change are often an indication that substance use may be an issue. Here are some signs to look out for: 

  • Frequently changing friends, especially when you don’t know the friends and disapprove of them. 
  • Decreased participation in activities that they used to enjoy or withdrawing from others. This can include quitting sports teams or clubs they used to enjoy, staying in their bedrooms more often, not talking to family members, not going out on outings with family members, and more. 
  • Breaking the rules, such as curfew, and coming up with fabricated explanations for this behavior. 
  • Unusual aggressive outbursts. It may feel like walking on eggshells around them because they are unusually irritable. 
  • Confronting them about possible substance use is met with an angry reaction. 
  • Their grades start to slip noticeably, and they start skipping class or entire schooldays. 
  • Mood swings
  • Bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, or pinpoint pupils. 
  • A general lack of motivation affecting their school behavior, hygiene, and household chores. 
  • Uncharacteristic behavior, such as stealing, lying, or disrespecting authority figures.

How to Treat Prescription Drug Addiction

There are recommended phases of treatment that you will go through when starting on your recovery journey: 

  1. Detoxification: The first step for drug treatment, even prescription drugs, is always detoxification. The withdrawals can be very uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous, so completing detoxification under 24-hour medical supervision is recommended. 
  2. Complete intake and treatment plan: Once you complete detox, you will start your addiction treatment. This can include individual therapy, group therapy, support groups, peer recovery coaching, medication management, and more. This treatment can take place on an inpatient or residential program, which is the highest level of care, or on an outpatient basis through partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or an outpatient program. 
  3. Resocialize into society: Once you complete treatment, you will have the skills to resocialize into society and be able to manage substance triggers that are likely to come up. Often, this may include staying at a sober living home, such as The Last House.  

Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment in Los Angeles, CA

The Last House has been around for over ten years to help men strive to achieve sobriety in their life. We offer a supportive environment with skilled staff whose passion is to help those with addiction concerns and services that promote building skills to maintain a sober lifestyle. Our program includes groups, therapy, accountability, and exploring sober activities. When you leave The Last House, you will leave with long-lasting connections and the skills you need to continue your sobriety long-term. The Last House is connected with Thrive Treatment to be easily in contact with quality treatment teams to ensure the care you are getting is consistent. Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help you.

Are There Support Groups for Parents of Addicts?

Are There Support Groups for Parents of Addicts?

by with No Comment Recovery

You’ve probably made it here because you have a child that has been battling their own addiction. You’ve tried everything, and at this point, you are desperate because nothing seems to work. Although you are not the one going through the addiction, you are still being affected by its consequences. In addition, you are feeling hopeless and alone because it seems like no one around you truly understands what you’re going through. That can feel very isolating and scary, but the truth is, you are not alone. There are many other families out there that are going through similar situations as you. You may be wondering how you can find them. 

Are There Support Groups for Parents of Addicts? 

Many support groups are available for parents of addicts looking for a safe space to share their concerns, seek support, and ask questions. A quick google search will allow you to find support groups specific to your area as mental health centers often have them available. There are also groups that are run nationally, such as Nar-Anon, Al-Anon, and Families Anonymous. The most important thing about these groups is that they are always anonymous, do not cost anything to the members, and are available on a walk-in basis. 

Nar-Anon Family Groups

Nar-Anon Family Groups is a 12-step program for family members and friends of addicts. It is a place for people to go for support when they are struggling with dealing with the behavior of an addict, whether it’s their brother/sister, mother/father, sister/son, friend, and more. This group allows its members to share their experiences, look for support, and ask questions in a safe space. Just like Narcotics Anonymous, this group is also anonymous. Meetings are available in-person or online. There is no financial cost associated with attending. 

Al-Anon Family Groups

Al-Anon Family Groups, similar to Nar-Anon, is also a 12-step program for family members and friends of addicts. However, it is geared specifically toward those who are affected by a loved one’s alcohol abuse. Al-Anon is also a place to seek support, share experiences, and ask questions anonymously. They have meetings available online and in person. There is no financial cost associated with attending.

Families Anonymous

Families Anonymous is also a 12-step program for family members of addicts. It was originally created in 1971 by a group of parents in California who were concerned about their children battling substance use. Today, this group helps provide support and a safe space for all family members and friends who are struggling with someone in their life who is battling addiction. 

How to Get Your Child Help with Addiction Today

It can be challenging to try to help your child with their addiction. It’s tough when they are not ready for treatment. However, talking with them, going over their options, and letting them know that you will always be there for support can be helpful. Once they are ready for treatment, it’s important to point them in the right direction of trust mental health professionals that are trained in substance use. The Last House can help. 

The Last House has been around for over ten years to help men strive to achieve sobriety in their life. We offer a supportive environment with skilled staff whose passion is to help those with addiction concerns and services that promote building skills to maintain a sober lifestyle. Our program includes groups, therapy, accountability, and exploring sober activities. When you leave The Last House, you will leave with long-lasting connections and the skills you need to continue your sobriety long-term. The Last House is connected with Thrive Treatment to be easily in contact with quality treatment teams to ensure the care you are getting is consistent. Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help you.