Cocaine is a stimulating drug that makes teen users feel excited and ready to conquer the world. However, when the high ends, teens are left rushing to fill the void. In time, this can lead to cocaine use disorder that can truly disrupt your teen’s life. Identifying the signs of cocaine withdrawal symptoms can be…
The medical and mental health communities view addiction in teens as a chronic and relapsing disease of the brain that causes compulsive drug-seeking behaviors and the use of drugs or alcohol despite negative consequences. Initially, the decision to take drugs or alcohol is voluntary, but according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA,…
Building a safe, nurturing, structured environment that promotes positive change starts with hiring mentors, therapists, and clinicians who are able to see and celebrate the best parts of each teen in their care. Teens who struggle with substance use disorder may be reluctant to trust adults and authority figures. However, a knowledgeable, committed, experienced staff…
What is the biggest concern families have when deciding to enroll their teen in residential treatment? School attendance and how it will impact a teen’s ability to transition back to their home school program. Destinations for Teens, however, has already considered this need and offers a daily educational program. Our teen education program keeps teens…
Is your teen battling a substance use disorder? Have you tried outpatient treatment programs and just have not seen the changes necessary to help your teen live a healthier life? A residential treatment facility for teens is the solution. Destinations for Teens provides residential treatment for teens who need support in conquering substance abuse. The…
Destinations For Teens staff are actively getting vaccinated through the county and the hope is to have the majority of our staff vaccinated by the end of January, 2021. Destinations For Teens is likewise committed to educating staff to the benefits of vaccinating and to providing access to the vaccine to all employees. By minimizing the risk of transmission, Destinations For Teens is working hard to protect its clients, families and employees from contracting the COVID-19 virus.
A dedicated COVID-19 task force, including our Medical Director, Clinical Director and our Director of Nursing, provides written materials and verbal education and training to all staff. In the words of Dr. Baback Gabbay, Destinations For Teens Chief Medical Director, the message could not be simpler: "We are committed to the health and well-being of our patients and families. Our staff is committed to the CDC recommend cleaning protocols and have been fortunate to receive the Moderna or Pzifer Covid vaccine this week. Vaccination is important in order to help keep all our employees and the families we serve safe".
In addition to distributing vaccinations, Destinations For Teens facilities has implemented the following procedures for all in-person programs:
• Established a revised screening process for admissions, including questions about recent fevers, travel and mandated negative COVID-19 test results. Anyone who poses a risk to our centers will not be admitted.
• Implement active screening of residents and staff for fever and respiratory symptoms.
• Remind residents to practice social distancing and perform frequent hand hygiene.
• Screen all staff at the beginning of their shift for fever and respiratory symptoms.
• Actively take the staff’s temperature and document absence of shortness of breath, new or change in cough, and sore throat. If they are ill, have them put on a facemask and self-isolate at home.
• Destinations For Teens has revised how they interact with vendors and receiving supplies and equipment, and other non-health care providers (e.g., food delivery, etc.), and take necessary actions to prevent any potential transmission. For example, supply vendors transport supplies to dedicated locations versus inside of facilities.
• In lieu of in-person visits, facilities are offering alternative means of communication for people who would otherwise visit, such as virtual communications (phone, video-communication, etc.)
• Creating/increasing communication to update families, such as advising to not visit.
• Assigning staff as primary contact to families for inbound calls and conduct regular outbound calls to keep families up to date.
