No parent wants to have a teen addicted to drugs or alcohol or have to commit them to a teen drug rehab center. Putting your teen in this type of facility is probably one of the hardest things you as a parent will ever have to do. Yes, he’s glad they’re getting the help they need now, but what does the future hold? When you come out of drug rehab, there are strategies you can use to help yourself, your teen, and your family get through the challenges of the drug rehab process.
In your teen’s life, substance abuse can have a long-term divestment impact on their lives. That’s why it’s so important to do everything you can to help them overcome their addiction.
Learn what you can about addition
Addiction, or substance abuse, is a broad category. It can include prescription drugs, alcohol, and illegal drugs. Each of these can have their own impact on your teen’s mental and physical health. You can help by educating yourself about their specific addiction, which will help you understand more about the addiction recovery process. This will help you be prepared in terms of what to expect regarding your recovery process in the coming weeks, months, and years.
Don’t let your teenager be in charge
Teens can be manipulative and stubborn and try to convince you to leave teen drug rehab early. They may tell you they’ve learned their lesson, but if you don’t comply and get them out early, they may promise never to speak to you again. You can expect all kinds of tactics that can include threats, crying, pleading, and cold silences. Listen to your teen and tell him that you love him and that you placed him in a teen drug rehab center to save his life.
Being active in therapy
Generally, during your stay you will have family therapy, so it is a top priority to actively participate in these sessions. Make it a priority and attend all sessions. In these therapy sessions, you’ll learn how to work with your teen, not against him, so you can help him have the best chance of a successful recovery.
When you’re discharged, have a plan
Substance abuse is a chronic condition, and treatment at an adolescent drug rehab center is only the first part of the recovery process. Work with the drug rehab center to create a plan for getting back to the real world. Before discharge, make sure they are clearly aware of the house rules, which may include stricter curfews, behavior and school expectations, scheduled homework, and consequences if not followed.