Youth Substance Use Treatment

In 2011, five percent of adolescents ages 12-17 reported needing, but not receiving, treatment for substance use. Substance Use Services are available through Orchard Place for Iowa youth under the age of 18. Through educational classes, group therapy, and interventions, the experts at Orchard Place help treat teens battling drug and alcohol addiction, or other substance misuse issues.

Teen Drug Use

Illicit Drug Use

Use of marijuana has increased over the past several years likely due to a change in the perception of risk associated with the drug. In 2013, seven percent of 8th graders, 18 percent of 10th graders and 22.7 percent of 12th graders reported using marijuana in the past month.

Synthetic drugs are also a cause for concern, although teenage usage is on the decline. Also known as K2 or Spice, synthetic drugs refer to herbal mixtures laced with chemicals similar to THC found in marijuana. Until 2012, these mixtures could be obtained legally.

Non-Medical Use of Prescription Drugs

The abuse of prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs continues to be a problem across all age groups. In 2013, 15 percent of high school seniors had used a prescription drug for a non-medical purpose. Among drugs abused by teens were ADHD prescriptions, painkillers, and cough medications.

Youth Drug Use Treatment

PACE Center offers drug treatment for Iowa youth under the age of 18. Substance Use Services include:

  • Individual evaluations
  • Extended outpatient, intensive outpatient, and continuing care treatment
  • Substance use education classes

For youth also battling mental health issues, our Child Guidance Center provides structured substance use treatment that co-occurs with mental health therapy. We also offer an AL-ANON group for clients to share similar experiences of their struggle with substance abuse and addiction.

Teen Alcohol Use

Alcohol use among teens is another area of concern. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the following percentage reported getting drunk in the past month:

  • 3.5 percent of 8th graders
  • 12.8 percent of 10th graders
  • 26 percent of 12th graders

Also, 22.1 percent of high school seniors reported binge drinking (defined as 5 or more drinks in a row in the past two weeks).

In the state of Iowa, 37 percent of high school students reported consuming at least one drink in the past 30 days, and 23 percent had consumed five or more drinks in a row within the last 30 days.

Youth Alcohol Use Treatment

For teens battling alcohol addition, PACE Center offers individual and group therapy sessions to help promote health decisions. These Substance Use Services are available for Iowa youth under the age of 18.

Alcohol addiction treatment and education are also available to our in-patient therapy patients at our Orchard Place Campus. These services begin at admission and recommendations are given following an initial evaluation.

Other Substance Use Services

  • Orchard Place Campus hosts an AL-ANON group each week and is a time for clients to share experiences and struggles with drug and alcohol addiction
  • Orchard Place partners with Bridging the Gap to help clients find Alcoholics Anonymous groups in their Iowa community
  • Bi-monthly Vigilant Choices Group meetings help to promote positive decision making through fun, motivating activities