Elk River Treatment Program Details

If you have a teen dealing with more than the normal issues of teenage angst, the Elk River Treatment Program or ERTP is a great intervention program for teenagers between from 12-18. Base camp is a stable environment where your teen will be offered a complete series of services including assessment, education, diagnostic and proper treatment. This is not your typical wilderness experience program; in fact, ERTP utilizes a full treatment team and employs cognitive therapy modification in a group setting to deal with adverse behaviors.

It is true that many of the Elk River programs are centered on outdoor activities but there are many indoor facilities as well. In addition to cabins and a large schoolhouse for the more advanced students there is a cafeteria, commercial kitchen, shower houses, gymnasium and laundry facilities.

Each student admitted to the program are given all the tools required for successful completion of the program. Included in the equipment list is appropriate footwear, clothing, rain gear, hat and sleeping bag. At the completion of the program, each student is allowed to take the equipment with them.

Parents are also a big part of the treatment team at ERTP; in fact, they work closely with the treatment team so that they completely understand how their teen is progressing. Each week the team will send progress reports.

We address the needs of many students. Common issues include:

• Attention deficit disorder/ with or without hyperactivity
• Bipolar Disorder
• Conduct Disorder
• Defiance issues
• Depression
• Worry/ anxiety
• No respect for elders
• Dual Diagnosis
• Abandonment/ adoption issues
• Drug and/or alcohol abuse
• Self-esteem issues
• Mood Disorders
• Obesity
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
• Peer Relationship problems
• Reactive Attachment Disorder
• Truancy/Poor School Performance

Despite being a successful treatment center, there are some students they cannot accept. Teens who suffer with predatory behavior, severe learning difficulties or unstable eating disorders are not treated at ERTP. Students at Elk River are dealing with a lot of social, emotional and psychological issues, but they must still be able to exercise with risk from serious physical or medical problems.

An environment of acceptance, challenge and respect is the mission of Pinnacle Schools, which ERTP supports fully. Students learn to be self-directed, confident, educated and contributing members of the world.

Have Wonderful Thanksgiving

Have a great Thanksgiving weekend. Enjoy your family and loved ones!

Valuable Information

Valuable information from Dr. Bert Pitts & Associates in Birmingham.
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Dealing with Teen Issues with Drugs and Alcohol

Drugs and alcohol have long been dangerous temptations for teens. Teenagers feel that nothing can hurt them and these temptations are readily available today, which the combination often leads to trouble. Today, it is imperative that parents address these adolescent temptations in a constructive manner.

Parents have a tendency to be more passive than necessary, and hoping their teen will reach out to them with their concerns and questions. However, this often happens far too late.

Be Proactive

Grab every moment you can to teach your teenagers. Adolescents learn through repetitive actions. They also follow according to examples set at home. It is very much a tragic event, when a teen suffers serious injuries from a car accident caused by drunk driving or with he or she overdoses on some type of drug. These types of events are things teenagers have an understanding of today.

You should set a policy of zero tolerance on alcohol and drug from the start. It is dangerous even to okay occasional use of alcohol or drugs. Teenagers are extremely impulsive and highly influenced by peers. Just one beer could turn into the teen downing a six-pack.

Explain to your teen that you know situations will arise, where their peers will be consuming alcohol and possibly using drugs. Tell him or her that you expect him or her to use wise judgment during these times and just say no.

Closely Listen to Your Teenager

Teens have very selective hearing. The things you say may not penetrate into their brains. When your teen decides to tune into what you are saying make sure also to listen closely to what he or she has to say.

At times, it is quite difficult for teens to think effectively about sensitive issues. Spend enough time listening to your teen, when he or she is trying to talk about a subject.

Define a Struggling Teen

Many people do not know how to define the phrase struggling teen. There are parents who know that their teen is struggling in some way, but they don’t know how to approach the subject. Normally, there are a few signs that will ultimately make them talk to their teen about what is going on.

How can you tell if your teen is having problems? The phrase struggling teen usually says that the parent sees signs that something is terribly wrong with their teen.

If your teen starts to withdraw from the world and becomes isolated, then this is a red flag that something is wrong. This really holds water if your teen was once a vibrant person. His behavior may change and he does not feel like he can discuss his problems with you. He might not feel like he can get things done anymore or cannot deal with various areas of life. If this happens, he will withdraw and spend less time with the family. He will probably shrug all forms of social interaction, even the friendliest kinds.

Going against or questioning authority is another sign. Teens are normally very unruly and rebellious individuals, but when this gets out of hand, it can become a huge problem. They have problems with all types of authority, no matter how little it might be. For example, they refuse to do their homework correctly or pass notes in class. Any teen that does things like this just once may have difficulties making good decisions once he gets older.

The Pinnacle Schools Reviews Behavioral Issues

Most professionals consider manic depression or bipolar depression as it is sometimes called, to be one of the hardest depression types to handle. Manic in this case means that the individual has extreme highs and lows that they experience. In a moment they could be euphoric and that could be instantly followed with suicidal thoughts. This individual will have frequent mood swings and it might not be understood what is going on for a particular period of time. An example is that teens are often moody to begin with, so these problems might not be as obvious. Since parents don’t typically react right away, this can cause damage to take place. Therapists though, recommend that parents watch for outbursts of anger and irritation and track them.

If they begin to notice this combined with periods of pure euphoria regularly, it is time to take action. If left ignored, it will negatively impact education, home life and other times when there is social interaction. Sometimes, parents may not know where to even begin when seeking treatment. That is where finding a place they can count on will be vital. You may not realize it, but the long term success of your child can depend on the provider that you choose for their care.

Pinnacle Schools treatment program, teens receive treatment inside of a home. This residential treatment program ensures that children receive their one on one therapy and even group therapy in a comfortable setting. When medications are required, the staff will ensure that the child receives the medication they need. Additionally, the school understands the behaviors of these children are impacted by a condition and instead of extreme disciplinary measures being taken more reasonable steps towards addressing the medical condition are focused on instead. All this ensures that your child ends up receiving the best overall medical treatment possible.

At Pinnacle Schools, the goal is to ensure that your child has their medical issues addressed and to ensure that there is the educational background they need to be successful in the community. This is done with a careful balance that is surrounded by a supportive group of people who remain focused on giving your child the tools they need to be successful.

Online Gaming

Online gaming allows a person to escape the real world and
change the perception of self worth. An online gaming addiction is
not that far from drug addiction; both are searching for a way to
make themselves feel better.

Are Boot Camps Good for Troubled Teens?

Residential Treatment Centers

Residential treatment centers or RTCs are specifically designed to work with teens who are struggling with substance abuse issues, depression or anger issues. While you may feel that a teen boot camp would be better for your teen – he would learn self-discipline and responsibility – some teens need an intervention that isn’t centered around drill sergeant-type yelling, barracks and “drop down and give me twenty!”

While drug abuse is illegal, it might be a symptom of something deeper. Ask your child’s doctor whether he believes that an RTC or a boot camp would be better alternatives for him. Chances are, he’ll tell you to choose the RTC, because the staff will teach your child life skills and healthy decision-making. He’ll also learn how to set realistic goals.

A good RTC should have individual, group and family therapy programs, positive discipline – no in-your-face yelling – and realistic reward systems.

Boot Camps

In contrast, boot camps mimic a military camp for new recruits, down to and including a drill sergeant who yells at the teens who have committed some wrong. Most boot camp programs also have physical training and heavy-duty physical conditioning.

If your teen’s actions have scared you because he’s on the verge of spending time in juvenile hall, that strong disciplinary setting might have gotten your attention and you’re hoping it’ll get your teen’s attention. As you try to decide whether to sign your teen into a boot camp, keep in mind that he’ll be regularly yelled at for minor infractions. If this is something you believe he needs – and if he doesn’t suffer from an emotional disorder, a boot camp could straighten him out.

Pros and Cons of Each

Residential Treatment Centers:

º Teens learn about themselves in various counseling settings;

º Parents are involved in treatment;

º Teens learn logical consequences.

Teen Boot Camps:

º Teens learn responsibility, respect for authority and self-control;

º Strong structure and disciplinary set-up;

º May help extremely defiant or rebellious teens to straighten out.

º Not therapeutic programs;

º Teens don’t learn new life skills.