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Adolescent & Young Adult

Prescription Drug Use Disorder in Annandale, NJ

A Safe Space For Healing

Recognizing the Impact of Prescription Drug Misuse

Prescription medications such as stimulants, sedatives, pain medications, or anti-anxiety drugs can be helpful when used appropriately under medical supervision. But when these medications are used without a prescription, in larger doses, or for non-medical reasons, they can lead to Prescription Drug Use Disorder: a pattern of misuse that negatively affects your teen’s emotional health, behavior, cognition, and relationships.

Unlike casual experimentation, Prescription Drug misuse can create dependence, increased tolerance, and emotional or physical withdrawal symptoms. Because adolescents’ brains are still developing, misuse during these formative years can have long-lasting effects.

At Portum Behavioral Health in Annandale, NJ, we approach Prescription Drug Use Disorder through trauma-informed care which understands that substance misuse is often a coping response to emotional stress, trauma, or unmet mental health needs. Our goal with Prescription Drug Use Disorder Treatment is to help your teen develop healthier, sustainable ways to navigate emotional and life challenges.

Prescription Drug Misuse in Adolescents

Prescription drug misuse is a significant concern for U.S. adolescents and young adults

Prescription Drug Use Disorder in adolescents

• National surveys have shown that a notable percentage of high school students report lifetime misuse of prescription medications, including opioids, stimulants, and sedatives.

• Teens often misuse prescription drugs for reasons including experimentation, stress relief, improved academic performance, or peer influence.

• Misuse of prescription stimulants (used for ADHD), opioids (used for pain), and benzodiazepines (used for anxiety or sleep) is associated with increased risk for dependence and other substance use problems.

• Adolescents who misuse prescription drugs are more likely to experiment with or use other substances, increasing overall risk.

These patterns underscore the importance of early identification and trauma-informed intervention to reduce risk and support healthier development for your adolescent. If you’ve noted any of these patterns affecting your teen’s daily life either academically, socially, or emotionally, Portum Behavioral Health in Annandale, NJ, can make a meaningful difference. Let us help you and your loved one experience longterm recovery beyond prescription drug misuse .

Portum Behavioral Health Is Here To Help Your Loved

One Recover Their Life In A Safe Space For Healing!

(551) 306-4000

Signs of Prescription Drug Use Disorder

Prescription drug misuse can be difficult to recognize, especially when medications are commonly prescribed for legitimate medical or mental health reasons. Over time, misuse may lead to noticeable changes in your teen’s behavior, mood, health, or daily functioning. You may want to seek professional support for your adolescent if you notice:

Prescription Drug Use Disorder Signs

✓ Behavioral and Emotional Changes

-Increased secrecy around medication use

- Mood swings, irritability, or emotional withdrawal

- Heightened anxiety, restlessness, or agitation

- Defensiveness when questioned about medications

- Loss of interest in activities or responsibilities

✓ School and Social Changes

- Declining grades or school attendance

- Difficulty concentrating or staying organized

- Withdrawal from family or long-term friendships

- Changes in peer group

✓ Physical and Health-Related Signs

- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite

- Frequent headaches, nausea, or unexplained fatigue

- Dizziness or drowsiness

- Slurred speech or slowed coordination

✓ Medication-Related Warning Signs

- Running out of prescriptions early

- Taking medications not prescribed to them

- Using medications for non-medical reasons

- Missing or hidden pills

- Seeking prescriptions from multiple sources

If these signs are persistent or affecting your teen’s well-being, a confidential evaluation can help clarify what’s happening and guide next steps. Early intervention can prevent Prescription Drug Misuse from becoming more entrenched and support healthier coping and emotional regulation. At Portum Behavioral Health in Annandale, NJ, our trauma-informed approach helps teens feel understood and supported, rather than overwhelmed or dismissed. Let us help you and your loved start the road to recovery in A Safe Space To Heal... Call Us Today!

Trauma-Informed Approach to Prescription Drug Use Disorder

At Portum, Prescription Drug Use Disorder Treatment is guided by a trauma-informed framework that prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment. We understand that many teens use or misuse prescription medications in an attempt to cope with emotional pain, stress, anxiety, or trauma responses. Simply addressing the behavior without support for underlying emotional needs often leads to relapse or other difficulties.

Our Trauma-Informed Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment Means

✓ Recognizing misuse as a response to emotional or psychological stress

✓ Building emotional regulation and coping skills before deeper trauma work

✓ Reducing stigma and shame

✓ Supporting natural adolescent development and resiliency

✓ Addressing Co-Occurring Mental Health conditions simultaneously

At Portum Behavioral Health in Annandale, NJ, this approach helps teens feel understood and supported, rather than overwhelmed or dismissed.Trauma-informed care at Portum is not just a philosophy, it is the clinical foundation that supports true recovery and long-term emotional well-being.

Prescription Drug Use and Co-Occurring Conditions in Adolescents

Prescription drug misuse doesn’t usually occur in isolation. Many adolescents who misuse medications also experience one or more co-occurring concerns, including:

Anxiety Disorders – Teens may use sedatives or anti-anxiety medications to calm nervous tension. While this may offer short-term relief, it can worsen anxiety and emotional dysregulation over time without proper support.

Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar) – Depression and emotional instability can increase vulnerability to prescription drug misuse as teens seek relief from overwhelming feelings or numbness.

ADHD and Inattention – Misuse of prescription stimulants intended for ADHD can occur as teens attempt to enhance focus or academic performance, even without a medical need creating dependency and worsening emotional stress.

Trauma or PTSD – Teens with unresolved trauma may misuse prescription drugs to cope with intrusive thoughts, emotional pain, or hyperarousal.

Substance Use Co-Occurring Patterns – Prescription drug misuse frequently overlaps with nicotine vaping, cannabis use, alcohol use, or other substance use, complicating emotional health and recovery.

At Portum, we treat Prescription Drug Use Disorder and Co-Occurring Mental Health conditions together through integrated, trauma-informed care for more effective recovery and resilience. At Portum Behavioral Health in Annandale, NJ, we help adolescents build healthier coping strategies, reduce reliance on avoidance or substances, and achieve more lasting emotional stability. We're here to help your teen achieve lasting results with treatment for Prescription Drug Use Disorder and Co-Occurring Conditions. Call Us Today!

Our Trauma-Informed Prescription Drug Use Disorder Treatment

at Portum Behavioral Health in Annandale, NJ

At Portum, Prescription Drug Use Disorder Treatment for adolescents & young adults is delivered through a combination of clinical and experiential therapies that help teens regain emotional balance and confidence.

Individualized Therapy

Personalized sessions help teens explore the thoughts, feelings, and experiences underlying Prescription Drug Misuse while building adaptive coping skills that may include:

• Identifying emotional triggers and stressors

• Understanding thought patterns that contribute to Prescription Drug Misuse

• Developing healthy coping and emotional regulation skills

• Building self-awareness, confidence, and resilience

• Addressing trauma or past experiences at a pace that feels safe

• Supporting recovery from co-occurring Mental Health and Prescription Drug Use Disorder concerns also known as Dual Diagnosis

Evidence-Based Clinical Modalities

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps teens identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Builds emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT): Supports acceptance of internal experiences while focusing on valued life actions

Practical Coping Skills

Teens learn tools to manage physiological and emotional symptoms including:

• Mindfulness and grounding exercises through Yoga & Meditation

• Breathing and relaxation strategies through Art Therapy and Music Therapy

• Distress tolerance and emotion regulation skills with therapies such as Exposure Therapy and Psychodrama

Family-Based Therapy

At Portum Behavioral Health, we know that Prescription Drug Use Disorder doesn’t affect just one person, it impacts the entire family system. Parents often feel unsure how to help, worried about saying the wrong thing, or caught between offering support and encouraging independence. That’s why family involvement is a core component of treatment at Portum. Family-Based Therapies:

Family Systems Therapy-helps identify patterns within the family

Parent Coaching & Psychoeducation- Parent coaching sessions help caregivers understand the psychology of prescription drug misuse

CBT-Informed Family Support-families are often included to reinforce skills outside of sessions

DBT-Informed Family Skills Training-parents learn emotion regulation strategies, distress tolerance tools, validation techniques to reduce escalation, etc

Group Support & Peer Connection

In trauma-informed group settings, teens practice new skills with peers and build social confidence in a structured, supportive atmosphere.

Trauma-Informed Group Therapy Helps Adolescents

• Feel less alone in their experiences

• Practice skills in real-world social settings

• Build confidence and trust with peers

• Learn empathy, communication, and emotional regulation

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. If your teen is struggling with Prescription Drug Use Disorder,

Portum Behavioral Health in Annandale, NJ, is here to help.

Call Us Today!

(551) 306-4000

Parent FAQs About Prescription Drug Use Disorder Treatment

Can teens really get addicted to prescription medications?

Yes. Adolescents are especially vulnerable because their brains are still developing. Misuse of stimulants, opioids, sedatives, or anti-anxiety meds can lead to dependence and emotional challenges.

Are all prescription drugs equally risky?

All psychoactive medications carry risk when misused. Misuse of stimulants can affect sleep and mood; sedatives and benzodiazepines can create dependency and memory issues; opioids can affect emotional regulation and reward pathways.

How does Portum treat Prescription Drug Misuse differently?

Portum uses a trauma-informed, individualized, and integrated approach that addresses emotional needs, underlying stress, and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions, not just the Substance Use.

How long does treatment usually take?

Treatment duration varies based on severity, Co-Occurring conditions, and level of care. Some teens benefit from outpatient support, while others may need more structured programs like IOP or Partial Care.

How involved will I be as a parent?

Very. Parents and caregivers are key partners in recovery. Portum offers education, family sessions, and communication strategies to help support your teen’s progress at home.

Levels Of Care For Prescription Drug Use Disorder at Portum Behavioral Health in Annandale, NJ

Adolescent Partial Care Program

At Portum Behavioral Health, our Adolescent Partial Care Program provides an intensive level of care designed for adolescents aged 13-18 who are navigating complex mental health challenges. This structured program supports young people who need a higher level of support than traditional outpatient therapy but do not require 24-hour inpatient care.The program focuses on stabilization, coping skills, and emotional resilience through individual, group, and family therapy, in a safe, supportive environment.

Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Our IOP offers the right level of support for teens ages 13-18 who need more structure than traditional outpatient therapy but do not require full-day care. Through individual, group, and family therapy, teens build coping skills, emotional regulation, and resilience in a safe, supportive environment focused on lasting healing and recovery.

Aftercare Program

Our Outpatient Aftercare Program supports teens and young adults who have completed higher levels of care, such as Partial Care or Intensive Outpatient Programs. Through continued therapeutic guidance and skill reinforcement, clients maintain stability, strengthen coping strategies, and stay connected to recovery while returning to daily life.

Virtual Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program

At Portum Behavioral Health, our Adolescent Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program provides structured, evidence-based treatment for teens aged 13–18 who are managing mental health or co-occurring substance use challenges. By combining professional guidance with the comfort of home, our Virtual IOP makes recovery more accessible, flexible, and effective.

Portum Behavioral Health offers Supportive Outpatient Care for Every Phase of Recovery

Call Now To Schedule A Confidential Assessment!

(551) 306-4000

Why Families Choose Portum Behavioral Health in Annandale, NJ

Trauma-Informed Adolescent & Young Adult Outpatient Mental Health Services & Substance Use Care

Trauma-Informed Foundation: Every part of our anxiety treatment is rooted in understanding your teen’s lived experience — not just symptoms.

Adolescent-Focused Care: Our programs are designed specifically for teens and young adults, not adapted from adult care models.

Family Engagement: We partner with parents to create a consistent support system beyond the therapy room.

Evidence-Based Interventions: Our clinical methods are proven to reduce anxiety and strengthen coping skills.

Local, Accessible Treatment: Conveniently located in Annandale, offering consistent, community-connected care.

Take The First Step Towards Recovery With Your Loved One

A Safe Space For Healing... and it starts with understanding, safety, and connection

Prescription drug misuse can interfere with your teen’s emotional well-being, relationships, and future opportunities, but healing is possible. With trauma-informed care that treats underlying emotional needs and co-occurring conditions, your teen can build healthier coping skills and long-term resilience. We bring together clinical excellence, compassion, and community to help teens and families rebuild their lives. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Portum Behavioral Health in Annandale, NJ, can help you take the step toward lasting recovery in A Safe Space For Healing.

Call today to speak with an Admissions Specialist and schedule a Confidential Assessment!

Serving: Lebanon,NJ High Bridge,NJ Flemington,NJ Readington,NJ Clinton Township and greater New Jersey region.

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Call to learn more about our treatment programs, admissions process, and pricing.

(551) 306-4000

Admissions & Insurance

Most Major Insurance Accepted, Call Us Today!

We accept most major insurance plans and can quickly and confidentially verify your benefits to help you understand your coverage options. Our team is committed to making it easier for your loved one to access the care they need at Portum Wellness & Recovery.