Polysubstance abuse among teenagers and young adults is increasing, and it can be fatal. If your child has a polysubstance abuse problem, turn to a centre that offers drug treatment in Canada. But what is polysubstance abuse, and what treatment options are available? Learn more by calling Venture Academy at 866.762.2211 or reaching out online.
What Is Polysubstance Abuse?
Polysubstance abuse refers to consuming one or more substances simultaneously or over a defined period.
Some of the signs and symptoms that someone may be struggling with polysubstance abuse can include:
- Behavioural changes
- Mood swings
- Health problems
- Engaging in drug-seeking behaviour
- Intoxication
- Legal and financial problems
- Cravings
- Lying about substance use
- Isolation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Tolerance to the substances
- Needing to take more of the substances
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
Combining substances can have serious health risks. It can cause harm to vital organs and can lead to:
- Seizures
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Brain injury
In some cases, polysubstance abuse can also lead to worsening mental health symptoms. Polysubstance abuse can also increase the risk of an overdose, especially if one of the substances is an opioid.
If your child engages in the consumption of two or more substances, getting them help is essential.
Polysubstance Abuse Treatment
Helping your child break free from polysubstance use disorders is possible with the following treatment options.
Medical Detox
The first step in helping your child break free from substance abuse is to get them through the detox process.
The more your child uses any combination of drugs or alcohol, the more their body gets accustomed to functioning with those substances. If they stop taking them, they can experience withdrawal symptoms, which can range from mild to life-threatening.
To avoid the worst and most dangerous withdrawal symptoms, medical detox services can help. Medical detox allows your child to receive constant monitoring and medications that can help them stabilise safely.
30-Day Residential Treatment
Residential or inpatient treatment can be the right choice for teens and young adults battling polysubstance abuse issues. This type of treatment offers the intensive care that your child needs, removing them from their usual environment and everyday stressors.
Residential treatment offers 24/7 monitoring and features individual and group therapy sessions.
Individual therapy sessions allow your child to understand the underlying cause of their polysubstance use problems. Most of the time, behavioural therapies are the options that work best, helping your child identify the negative thoughts that lead them to negative actions. They can then start making changes to their behaviours.
Group therapy makes it easier for your child to see they are not alone. Substance use disorders can be very isolating, so meeting with others and speaking about common challenges can be helpful.
Long-Term Care
After completing residential treatment, long-term care can help your child stay sober. This next step allows them to build a support system and learn how to manage stress and difficult emotions.
With continued individual and group therapy sessions, your child can build on the progress they have already made.
Long-term care offers family therapy options to encourage healing between you and your child. Your family can learn healthy communication skills and benefit from opportunities to hear one another’s concerns in a neutral environment.
Polysubstance Abuse Treatment at Venture Academy
If your child battles polysubstance abuse, getting them the help they need is just a phone call away. With our team of professionals ready to provide an assessment, intervention services, and long-term treatment, you can give your child the best chance at recovering from this serious condition.
Don’t wait another day. Contact our team of professionals at Venture Academy by calling 866.762.2211, and get your child on the path to recovery. You can also reach us via our online form.