Treatment Path for Adolescent Substance Use

Level 0.5

This program targets individuals with substance use issues who may not have a diagnosed disorder. Early intervention services include screening, counseling and motivational interviewing, aiming to identify risk factors, behaviors and harmful consequences related to substance use.

• Drug Free Youth DC – prevention services in the District of Columbia

Level 1

This program is intended for adolescents with mild substance use disorder in the initial phases of treatment or transitioning from more intensive services. Level 1 adolescent services are provided for less than six hours per week.

Resources in Washington, D.C.

Medication management

• Children’s National Addictions Program
• Howard University Mental Health Clinic
• Mary’s Center

Therapy services

• Hill-Crest
• LAYC

Level 2

Intensive outpatient offers addiction education and treatment for adolescents between six and 19 hours a week. Partial hospitalization provides over 20 hours of intensive programming for patients with unstable medical and psychiatric conditions.

Dual diagnosis is when someone has a mental illness and a substance use disorder together.

The following programs are specifically for dual diagnosis:

• Sandstone Care
• Maryland Treatment Centers
• Embark Behavioral Health
• Fairfax Addiction Medicine Clinic

Outpatient Groups

• Fields and Fields
• Suburban Hospital Outpatient Group

12 Step/Mutual Help Programs

• Tree of Hope - Montgomery County
• Prince George’s County Adolescent Clubhouse

Levels 3 and 4

This program is intended to offer a structured residential setting that operates 24 hours a day. Residential level of care provides comprehensive services and a stable environment that is essential for individuals on their path to recovery. According to a recent study by the National Institutes of Health, residential addiction treatment for adolescents is limited, costly and rarely accessible for teens on Medicaid. When evaluating residential treatment center options, families should consult their health insurance provider to determine coverage.