Relapse Prevention for Teens

Drug Addiction’s Impact On The World

The world struggles with drug addiction. Research has shown that there are significant genetic and environmental factors that form the basis for drug addiction.  Drug addiction is a permanent alteration in your life. Prompt treatment of teen addictions is critical while experimenting with drugs is conventional. However, it is reported that drug addiction can cause brain damage in the adult brain.   If resisting any form of treatment continues, the bottom line is that every day, more than 200 people die of a drug-related death.  In as little as three days, a person can be physically addicted to opiates.

What Is The Root Cause Of The Drug Use Or Addiction Problem?

The majority of teens above 75 percent are involved in underage drinking, which is recreational drug use. Fifty percent of people who experiment with drugs for the first time are under eighteen. Going “cold turkey” is not the solution, while a permanent cession of any forms of illicit drugs or consuming alcohol is critical. But if you find out that your teen is experimenting with drugs,  you should confront the teen if you have the suspicion that a line between experimenting and abuse is crossed. But open communication with your child early in their lives may address any issues that they may have about consuming alcohol, for instance. Adolescence with the development of mental, social, and emotional well-being is the state that the seeds of drug and alcohol abuse are sown. But if you suspect abuse, the only solution is enrolling your child in a reliable drug rehabilitation program for your child to realize future sobriety.

How Do I Know If My Teen Is Abusing Drugs?

Trust your instincts because there are signs and symptoms,
such as:
*  Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
*  Establishing new friends and avoiding old friends
*   Spending a lot of time alone
*  Ignoring curfew and disregarding house rules
*  Failing or significantly worsening grades and poor attendance
*  Squinty red eyes and dilated pupils
*  An overwhelming smell of perfume, cologne, mouthwash designed to mask the scent of drugs such as marijuana
*   Drug information is found in their room or car
*   Lost of interest in appearance or hygiene
*   Major uncharacteristic mood swings
*   Depression, self-harm or self-mutilation, or anxiety disorder

Tips For Avoiding Relapse in Teens

The teen must change their behavior to avoid a relapse
such as

•    Avoiding friends who use drugs.
•    Do not isolate yourself and make new friends.
•    Attend counseling, therapy, and join a support group.
•    Change your behavior by finding healthy things to do.
•    Limit your stress
•    Actively chose sobriety as your goal

ACADEMY FOR ADOLESCENT WELLNESS

The academy staff, which has over 30 years of experience in Adolescent Psychological Health, offers psychological testing and traditional treatment therapies.   An evidence-based approach available to ensure that the teen’s individualized therapy is effective..   Because of the reduction of counseling services in regular schools both local private and public school systems in South Florida, the Academy provides Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for the residents of Davie, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hollywood, Miramar, Hialeah, Pembroke, and Pinesforto.  The Academy is a local source of professional services and offers:

A.  Out-Patient Therapy.
Based on an individual’s treatment plan, the academy offers group and individual therapy one to two afternoons or nights a week, which depends on the individual’s treatment plan. After school pickup is available.

B.  Intensive Out-Patient.
The academy offers group and individual therapy three afternoons or nights a week. After school pickup is available.
Teens participate in group and individual therapy on an intensive outpatient basis, typically three afternoons days or nights a week, depending on the individual’s treatment plan After school pickup is available.

C.   Aftercare Program.
With any rehabilitation treatment, relapse is always a possibility.  The Aftercare Program requires continuing treatment on an outpatient basis to maintain
a long-lasting recovery.

How We Can Help With Relapse in Teens

1.  The teen will be offered to help to identify substance abuse or mental illness.
2.  Identify any destructive behaviors while encouraging, if the teen is stable enough to continue school.
3,  Participate in a five-step treatment process, including a psychological evaluation, final diagnosis, individualized treatment plan, complete treatment program, and follow up evaluation and aftercare.
4.  The Academy focuses on issues that led to the instability in the teen’s life, incorporating the family.

Teen Mental Health Treatment in South Florida – AWA

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, a teen mental health treatment center located in South Florida, we understand the complexities and challenges of guiding our loved ones, especially adolescents, towards recovery from mental health challenges. 

Recognizing the delicate nature of this journey, we are committed to offering compassionate, specialized care even in situations where individuals may be hesitant to seek help.

We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment that fosters healing and growth through our tailored programs:

  • Day Therapeutic Program: A structured daytime treatment offering therapeutic support and education that integrates seamlessly with the adolescent’s daily life.
  • After-School Program: An innovative approach that provides therapeutic activities and supports post-school hours, allowing teens to continue their education while receiving the care they need.

When you join our therapy or afterschool programs, you enter a caring and non-judgmental community. This support network involves teens, their families, peers, and our team.

Our team of clinicians, alumni, and other parents are here to offer invaluable assistance. Parent Support Groups (PSG) and assessments ensure that the support is tailored to each family’s needs. Contact us today for more information about teen mental health at 1-866-548-8677 or visit our locations in Miami-Dade and Broward.

About the Author

Founder

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Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.