Group therapy seems to be the most effective way to reach 12- and 13-year-olds with addiction problems, according to treatment experts in Massachusetts, the Boston Herald reported March 9.

"We're finding that the most effective treatment is group treatment. It is a more recent development and more effective than the usual one-to-one counseling," said Jennifer Gearhart, director of outpatient programs at South Bay Mental Health in Brockton. Gearhart added that getting families involved in treatment is also important when treating young patients.

Thirty-four youths ages 12 and 13 were treated for addiction in Massachusetts facilities last year, according to the state Department of Public Health. But more than 1,000 youths under age 18 are admitted to treatment in Massachusetts each year.

"It is very worrying because the younger they start using, there is an increased likelihood that they will develop an addiction," said Monica Rozner, director of clinical services for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. "Also worrying is that at the age of 12 or 13, the brain is still developing and substance abuse could have significant impact on that."

A new state-funded treatment program, Motivating Youth Recovery, recently opened in Worcester. "The need for services (for young people) is only going to snowball. It is a really big problem," said program director Teri Newman.