Substance Abuse Treatment Programs for Troubled Girls from Santa Cruz, CA 

Why do Adolescents from Santa Cruz, CA Abuse Harmful Substances?

There are many reasons why adolescents experiment with controlled substances. Most teens are unaware of the high level of risk involved with this type of behavior. Experimentation can easily progress to a substance use disorder if left unchecked. After a while, it is very difficult to stop using without professional help.

Common Reasons For Adolescent Substance Use:

• Academic pressure (students use stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin to get that "extra" edge on their peers (stimulants allow students to stay up later and study harder)
• Curiosity
• Escapism (bored with their everyday activities, looking for more "adventure" and "excitement."
• Mental health issues (depression, anxiety, OCD, etc.)
• Pain relief (social, emotional, or physical)
• Peer pressure

The Types of Therapy Family First Offers Parents of Addicted Teens from Santa Cruz, CA

Here at Family First Adolescent Services, our main goal is to transform lives. As to how we achieve this, our intensive therapies, such as the ones listed below, are paramount in doing so.

• One on 1 Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Experiential Therapy

One-on-one Therapy

While we offer cutting-edge treatment, such as experiential therapy, we, of course, do not fail to incorporate the psychiatric 'bread and butter:' one-on-one therapy. After all, there is a reason that traditional mono e mono therapy sessions remain the most widespread... They work.

Clients can explore their feelings, beliefs, and behaviors in a safe, supportive, and confidential environment during individual therapy. Our therapists carry a maximum caseload of no more than five clients, which allows them to work one-on-one with each client throughout the week.

Unlike many substance abuse treatment programs for troubled teens in Santa Cruz, CA, we actually provide extensive and frequent therapy sessions with our psychiatric professionals. More specifically, Family First Adolescent Services offers what we have called (not to mention pioneered) the 5-in-7 methodology: our clients receive five one-on-one therapy sessions within the first seven days of their treatment. This intense immersion into our program allows our therapists to develop a bond with clients early on.

Working Closely With Therapists

Working closely with their therapist, clients explore difficult or influential memories. Together they identify trauma and pain points in the client's life, which helps our clients understand themselves and how they relate to others. Clients are encouraged in these individual sessions to set personal goals and work towards the desired change.

Individual therapy is a powerful tool for helping teens cope with depression or anxiety and identifying and addressing the traumas that lead to substance use or behavioral disorders.

Group Therapy

Of course, what would any top-tier rehabilitation treatment program be without the drug rehabilitating-proven therapeutic practice of group therapy - Bill Wilson anyone?

As group therapy sessions have proved for decades, interacting with those who have faced similar struggles in a safe and supportive environment encourages participants to open up. In the structured environment of group therapy, participants can try out new behaviors, role-play, and proactively interact with others.

Unlike individual therapy sessions, group therapy allows participants to interact with others who have mutually struggled with afflictions such as:

• Substance Use
• Alcohol Use
• Depression
• Anxiety Disorders
• PTSD
• Gaming Disorders

Group therapy is beneficial once participating members begin to develop trust with one another, allowing members to speak freely and express difficult feelings. The client learns to interact with others healthily and productively by participating in group therapy sessions.

Finally, we have our cutting-edge therapy known as experiential therapy, or learning.

What is Experiential Therapy?

Treatment isn't limited to therapists' offices and group rooms: our clients explore art, sports, and nature in activities meant to stimulate the connection between mind and body. Teens who have fun in treatment teach themselves to correlate enjoyment with self-care.

Experiential therapies often reveal behavioral patterns and motivations, illuminating the underlying issues that need healing.

• Active Healing
• Animal Sanctuary
• Deep-Sea Fishing
• Equine Therapy
• Indoor Skydiving
• Kayaking
• PaintballPlanet Air (Trampoline Park)
• Ropes Course
• Surfing & Paddle Boarding
• Therapeutic Activities
• Yoga & Meditation

Equine Therapy

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy is an experiential therapy that involves clients interacting with horses. Equine therapy allows therapists and clients to identify and address various emotional and behavioral challenges. It is an effective form of treatment that has been proven to boost self-confidence, self-esteem, and trust.

Additionally, clients develop trust, communication, and problem-solving skills. Our trained and experienced staff supervise these activities, including grooming, feeding, haltering, and leading