More than one million teens are suffering with a substance addiction today, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Professional addiction treatment is essential for helping teens successfully manage this disease, so they can safeguard their health and get back to their lives and preparing for their futures.
High-quality addiction treatment centers believe strongly in family involvement when it comes to the treatment process. In this article, we’ll describe what parents can expect when their child begins addiction treatment and how they can play a supportive role in the recovery journey.
Treatment Options
Addiction treatment begins with thorough evaluation of the individual’s health, history and circumstances. Addiction specialists need to know how long the person has been using, what substances they have abused and if they have any other conditions such as a mental disorder that require simultaneous treatment.
Addiction specialists perform this careful assessment to determine a customized treatment course for each person. Family involvement during this stage can be beneficial, as family members can provide additional information that helps to design a personalized treatment plan.
Addiction treatment options include residential treatment, intensive outpatient treatment and sober living homes, as well as other options that may be appropriate for the family’s needs. Families often choose intensive outpatient therapy for their children. If the teen is on good terms with their family, outpatient therapy complemented by a supportive home life can be very effective. When the outpatient program is completed, many families opt to remain involved with aftercare programs and further counseling, especially during early recovery when teens are most vulnerable to relapse.
Family Involvement in Therapy
Healthcare providers and therapists will work with both the child and their family to provide education about addiction, relapse prevention and the best ways to cope with and manage this condition. Family members will learn how to provide support for their child and how to recognize and stop enabling behaviors that increase the risk of relapse.
During treatment, your child will address the underlying issues that led them to abuse drugs or alcohol in the first place so that they can develop strategies for preventing relapse and coping with triggers and cravings.
Other Aspects of Treatment
During the treatment process, your child will typically participate in both individual and group counseling sessions along with family therapy sessions. Each aspect of the treatment process is designed to help your child manage their triggers and prevent relapse.
If your child is beginning treatment for addiction, you, too, are starting down a new road. As your child learns to manage their condition, you will learn how to provide the best support for their recovery journey. Ask lots of questions and learn about available resources that can help you and your family to heal.