When your teenager is in need of drug rehab, you may feel overwhelmed. You will want your child to recover, but you may not know how to make the right decisions, or even how to start.
You’re naturally going to experience stress, and other emotions, like fear, anger, and sadness. So you will also need to practice self-care to help you support your teen as they move from their addiction to recovery.
Various groups have published advice for parents who are affected by a teen’s drug addiction. For example, the US Department of Health and Human Services has advised that you ask for help, accept offers from others for help, and also join a support group for parents with addicted teens.
At this point, you may have decided that your child will benefit from an intervention and drug or alcohol rehab. But how can you decide on the right program in Scottsdale or Phoenix? Here are five tips to keep in mind as you move ahead:
1. “But I Don’t Need To Go To Rehab”
Your teen may not understand the essential nature of rehab for a true recovery. That to really recover from the psychological, physical and social aspects of addiction, they will need professional drug addiction treatment. For example, they may speak to their friends who use drugs but are not being required by their parents to go to rehab. And since everyone is unique, they may need help to see that their problem is special to them, and that each of us has our own susceptibility level.
2. “Rehab Is Scary. I Don’t Want To Go”
Teens can think of rehab as a prison, and they may be afraid of not being around their friends or regular peer group. Or they may simply want to be home with you. It may be important for you to ask your teen about what their real concern is. It can also be helpful to let your child know that you are involved in and supportive in recovery with them and that they are not alone. Unless this makes your teen feel like they are being forced into rehab.
3. Your Teen May Have An Underlying Mental Illness
Addiction is frequently present with a mental illness of some kind. It is estimated that over 8 million Americans have a concurrent mental illness. For this reason alone, it’s important for your teen to go to an addiction rehab center that is skilled at diagnosing and handling comorbid mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Your teen will need to be diagnosed by a skilled therapist or counselor to know for sure.
4. Ultimately, You Are The Parent
If your child is under 18 years old, you can legally require them to go to rehab, though this is not the best choice, because compliance and results are better when the child is willing to go on their own to rehab. So ask for help from others in speaking to your teen about their situation. To help encourage them, it may be that your child needs to speak to someone at a rehab center that you are choosing to help connect with them. Someone that they can relate to. Also, it’s important to remember that early intervention is critical for your child’s best chance at recovery.
Get Professional Teen Drug Rehab in Scottsdale and Phoenix
Purpose Healing Center is a teen drug rehab center serving Scottsdale and Phoenix, and we’re here to help. If your teen is struggling with a substance abuse problem, or if you are concerned that they might be, contact us today.
480-579-3319