
The TEENS IN TREATMENT series consists of two 30-minute programs - THE WARNING SIGNS OF ADDICTION and LIFE BEYOND GETTING HIGH.
THE WARNING SIGNS OF ADDICTION
So Who Becomes Addicted? Most people don't understand why or how someone can become addicted to drugs or alcohol or any other substance that completely dominates their life. This series takes an in-depth look at teen addiction and provides a personal connection with those in recovery, the steps to recovery and an honest look at substance abuse.
Teenagers all go through traumatic experiences and symptoms of depression. In many cases they don't have the resources to deal with their problems. Many times they turn to drugs as a solution or as a coping mechanism if they feel they can’t deal with a problem on their own. This often leads to a path of addiction. This program discusses the traits that can be found in an addictive personality, the warning signs and the attraction to try drugs. It takes a look at what can take a seemingly normal teen down the road of addiction and the intense process of treatment and recovery. Some of the most common paths to addiction include; the desire to belong, to be accepted, to be popular, boredom, depression, low self esteem, peer pressure from social expectation and taking prescription medication that turns to dependency. Also addresses the physical, mental and behavioral effects of drug abuse and the effective treatment options. Features clinical addiction psychologists, mental health and teen drug abuse experts.
Discussion includes:
What is addiction?
Who gets addicted?
The addictive personality
Addictive behavior
The 14 most common paths to addiction
Why teens start using drugs
The warning signs
The consequences
LIFE BEYOND GETTING HIGH
Rehab or treatment for addiction begins with the desire to stop using drugs or alcohol and choose a clean and sober life. For many teens, this may seem like an impossible task especially when their life seems to have lost all meaning. Nearly all addicted teens think they can stop using on their own and most try to stop without treatment. Although many are successful, many continue down the path of addiction and on the road of substance dependence. Understanding that addiction has a fundamental biological component may help explain the difficulty in abstinence without treatment.
Many teens in addition to having problems with drugs or alcohol also have problems with depression, anxiety, school phobia and panic attacks. Because they start using drugs at a young age, they don't develop the normal social skills needed to enter adulthood. They have very little discipline because they've never been shown or cultivated those habits.
At first teens think using drugs or alcohol helps them fit in and can relieve stress either at home or at school. However, they soon realize it doesn’t fix anything and their problems keep coming back and often get worse. This program teaches teens that living a life of addiction is one that can be changed. Personal accomplishments can be achieved and a healthy successful life, without dependence on drugs or alcohol is possible.
Discussion Includes:
What is recovery or rehab?
Why recovery works
Recognizing addiction
The steps of recovery
The multi-systemic approach
Life after treatment
*NOTE: Closed Caption available upon request - additional charge.
While our field offers numerous approaches to group therapy, less is understood about group interventions for addiction. This refreshing video begins to close the gap by presenting a rich series of vignettes from an interpersonal process group for clients in early-stage recovery. Here, you’ll watch Tim Leighton and his UK-based team of addiction experts demonstrate key elements of this experiential model, shown in an outpatient setting. If you work with clients in recovery - or if you simply enjoy group work - this video will give you an array of necessary skills for leading successful interpersonal therapy groups.
Drawing from the pioneering work of Irvin Yalom and Philip Flores, interpersonal group therapy supports a client’s ability to sustain healthy relationships. Based on the idea that relationships are undermined by addictive behavior, this model of recovery helps members gain interpersonal skills in real time. You’ll see these theories in action, as members gradually deepen their capacity to share their stories, give and receive empathy, and navigate rifts. Moreover, you’ll be delighted as initially hardened members soften and brighten as a result of the work. Detailed commentary is offered throughout, outlining important concepts and noting crucial turning points in each vignette.
Leighton and his colleagues take an intentionally light hand in the sessions, supporting members’ autonomy and intervening only when necessary to help clarify the process. You’ll be intrigued by their concise interventions, and impressed by their warmth, insight, and ability to help the group attune to itself.
Regardless of orientation, therapists must help clients tolerate and move beyond the uncomfortable feelings that arise in session; this video provides a solid foundation in doing so from a relational standpoint. If you’re looking for resources on group therapy, addiction and recovery, or interpersonal therapy, this video is a must-watch.
"This superb video showcases highly competent group therapists combined with lucid explanations of both theory and technique. You’ll witness the group leaders harness the power of the group by repeatedly focusing the attention on how members are relating to each other, a key skill in effectively run groups. I would highly recommend this video to any therapist interested in mastering the art of group therapy, regardless of population served."
Irvin Yalom, MD, author of The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy

E-cigarettes have been called the next generation cigarette and vaping the newest way for teens to start smoking. Research confirms that teens who vape are more likely to start smoking tobacco products than teens who don’t use electronic cigarettes. It’s also been found that nonsmoking teens who start vaping are three times as likely as nonvapers to later smoke cigarettes and that vaping seemed to encourage smoking.
Most teens assume vaping is harmless, however it is not. Studies have shown that the gases and particles in e-cigarette vapors can harm the lungs, brain, heart and immune system. They pose a serious threat to teens and creating the next generation of smokers. Vaping liquids can be flavored to taste like fruit or candy. Most contain nicotine and it’s this nicotine that can cause an addiction and fuel a teens’ transition from vaping to smoking.
So what is Vaping? What is the vapor made from and how does it work? The drug inside most e-flavors is nicotine, in its concentrated potent, liquid form - extracted from tobacco and blended with a variety of flavorings, colorings and assorted chemicals and toxins, carefully calculated to feed the fast-growing electronic cigarette industry. E-cigarettes actually emit more than just smoke. It is an aerosol, which is a suspension of particles, toxins and other chemicals suspended within a gas. E-cig vapor often contains even more particles than tobacco smoke. Vaping can cause as much short-term inflammation in the lungs as regular cigarettes and the nicotine-free vapor may cause even more. The biggest danger may lie in the use of vaping devices. After a teen is used to some nicotine in the form of an e-cigarette, they may ultimately transition to traditional cigarettes to get nicotine more easily and quickly. E-cigarettes are very accessible and easier to conceal. Many vaping devices are designed to look like pens; compact, shiny and easy to disguise. Vaping devices are also compatible with marijuana, cocaine, THC liquids and other drugs, making substance abuse easier,less publicly recognizable and easier for a teen to hide. The devices’ create a further danger for teen users who may not be completely aware of what’s inside the electronic cigarette.
Student discussion includes: What is vaping? What is the vapor made from and how does it work? Is vaping dangerous? Do e-cigarettes contain toxins? Are e-cigarettes dangerous? Do e-cigarettes contain nicotine? Is nicotine harmful? Is nicotine addictive? What are the short and long term side effects? Are teens who vape or use e-cigarettes more likely to start smoking?