by Dee Devers

Created on: May 04, 2009   Last Updated: May 06, 2009

There are several elements to an pre-teen or teen addict actually making it into the health care system. The child is almost always in denial and the parents are happy to be right there with them.. Unfortunately, when a young person goes for addiction treatment it is more often than not for the wrong reason.

A lot of teens and pre-teens use treatment as a bargaining chip. 1." I am going to get kicked out of my house if I don't come here." 2."I am in a lot of trouble and my attorney said this would help." 3."I overdosed and they sent me here" and so on and so on! My point is the vast majority of younger substance abuse patients in treatment are there NOT to stop using, but as an avenue to continue using and appease the inconvenience that got then to that point.

A few young people and adults a like are there to get help! That is, to receive the message to work the program, and to stay clean. These knowledgeable and few may have any or all of the same problems as the "bargaining chip patients". What is the difference? They get the message. They listen to the stories of how Mother's, Father's and friend's have lost a loved one due to one too many or that "accident" Why? The treatment facility they are in has painted a bright vivid picture for these young people. Yes, you can go to jail, you can go to rehab and you may or may not die. You do not even need to try! You see for any addict and especially one under constant peer pressure just one of the drug of choice is too many and one thousand never enough. Push it to the limit...I am invincible! But, happily the patients that get the message go on to live and love and possibly attend funerals of the one's who did not get it...the one that did not go to jail because of rehab..he attended. He showed up, did his time and died. The consoler's and staff at the good treatment facilities are reaching out with both hands and pulling these young people towards life. Will they accept or lose?

Now, who is not doing enough for young substance abuser's? Some parents, some schools and a lot of friends. One of the biggest contributers to not getting the help you need is the insurance industry. Most will allow these kid's to detox and send them out the door to outpatient therapy. They send them back clean for a day or two, but do not address the core, the pain and torture they are feeling inside that causes the abuse. They absolutely need inpatient care after detox. Why does the insurance company drop the ball? You see, the life insurance that is paid on an accidental overdose is not coming out of the health insurance companies pockets. Money is of the essence.

Parent's, I urge you to save your addicted teens. Work it out. Find the best facility. DO NOT GIVE UP! Precious confused peer pressured life's depend upon it.

The health care system works if the patients allow it to. Don't be on the receiving end of the funeral. Life is better if you truly live it and not just exist. Children should outlive the parents. Reach out, allow the health care community to help.

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