No parent wants to have a teen addicted to drugs or alcohol or have them commit 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 through the challenges of the drug rehab process.
In your teen’s life, substance abuse can have a long-term disinvestment impact on their lives. That is why it is so important to do everything possible to help them overcome their addiction.
Learn what you can about addition
Addition, 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 learning about their specific addiction, which will help you understand more about the recovery process from this addiction. This will help you be prepared in terms of what to expect in your recovery journey in the weeks, months, and years ahead.
Don’t let your teenager be in control
Teens can be manipulative and stubborn and try to talk you out of 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.
Be active in therapy
They will usually have family therapy during their stay, 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 will learn how to work with your teen, not against them, so that you can help them have the best chance for a successful recovery.
When you are discharged, have a plan
Substance abuse is a chronic condition, and treatment at a teen drug rehab center is only the first part of the recovery process. Work with the drug rehab center to create a plan to return to the real world. Before discharge, make sure they are clearly aware of the house rules, which may include stricter curfews, expectations regarding behavior and school, scheduled homework, and consequences if not followed.