Boarding Schools for Teens Over 18 Years Old
The college-aged group of 18 to 22 years old often does not benefit from rehabilitation programs designed for adults. They usually prefer being with other young people and many will not attend 12-step meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous if everyone is much older than they are. Nevertheless, they are too old for most therapeutic boarding schools.
Sometimes a teen has spent his entire high school years either in alcohol or drug use, and has not earned a high school diploma. If using a chemical was his priority for years and years, he may not have set goals for himself. He has not developed interests in a career or independent skills necessary to handle college dorm life. When alcohol or drugs are priority, the teen literally loses years of his life that should have been prime time for developmental changes and achieving the transition of independence from his parents.
The programs designed for this age group are usually not strictly boarding schools, but residential centers. Young people live and work with therapists, who help them set goals and timetables for achieving them. Those who need drug or alcohol treatment can get it. Those who suffer from mental problems such as bipolar disorder or depression can learn how to cope with what may be a lifelong challenge.
Often students learn living skills such as cooking, balancing a checkbook, or maintaining an automobile. Some centers connect with community colleges where students can earn college credits while undergoing treatment. Others provide classes that enable teens to get their high school diplomas.
The tricky part is that teens over 18 years old are legal adults who can refuse treatment. They have the power to leave the centers whenever they want to. For this reason, most treatment centers for college-aged people require that you pay a certain amount whether or not the person stays in treatment.
PROS
Troubled teens recover more effectively when they live and work with others their age.
If your child is over 18 years, these programs may be one of your last chances at turning his life around.
CONS
A successful outcome may simply be achieving independent living. Parents often have to accept that their child may never finish college or live up to what they have expected.
If your child chooses not to complete the program, you may still have to pay for it.
Research Boarding Schools for Young Adults
