How To Decide On A Teenage Rehabilitation Program
Choosing from multiple teen drug addiction treatment programs can involve several factors, from location to whether or not they accept insurance. Whether you're a teen or a parent, choosing to undergo mental health treatment or attend a rehab center is often a significant step forward. Once this pivotal accomplishment is achieved, your next step may be finding a rehab program to meet your needs.
Teenage mental health
Anxiety and stress levels in teens are often elevated. Additionally, teens may deal with unique mental health challenges as they grow up, along with transitional changes and stressors. These changes may be due to a stream of activities and demands placed on modern teens.
Although teenage substance use is not new, substance use rates have increased among teenagers, according to a study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Mental illness and substance use may often be related, and using substances can increase distress in adolescents who are already experiencing an increase in responsibility as they age.
Teenage substance use
Substance use and addiction are issues that can arise in adults and teens. Teens may turn to illicit drug use for a variety of reasons, including the following:
- Environmental factors
- Peer pressure
- Poor mental health
- Poverty
- Lack of parental supervision
- Trauma
- A desire to escape or dull pain
American Addiction Centers notes that teenage substance use is often a result of a range of factors, which can be complex to treat. Treating drug abuse as a behavioral or criminal problem may be an ineffective method of addressing the issue. Addiction treatment, such as a teen rehab center, may often focus on underlying symptoms and causes and support a teen through their emotional responses to addiction.
The purpose of addiction treatment: Rehabilitation programs
Teen drug rehab centers are a form of health treatment that may work on changing a teen's environment, getting to the root of the addiction, and treating their symptoms.
Changing the environment
An environmental change is often a crucial part of substance abuse treatment and recovery because humans are creatures of habit. Young adults may struggle to recover when surrounded by the same sights, sounds, and stimuli as those they experienced when they developed their addictions.
Attending a rehabilitation facility may allow teenagers to work toward healing in a safe, controlled, and monitored environment that parents and caretakers may be unable to provide.
Getting to the root cause
Getting to the root of the addiction may look different at each facility. Some centers might focus primarily on mental health, treating adolescent drug use through the lens of mental health conditions. This practice is often described as dual diagnosis treatment – treating both the addiction and the underlying mental health conditions that may have contributed to its development.
Other centers may focus more on behavioral healing. Young people may learn how their behaviors, urges, and expressions impact themselves, others, and their environment. They might also learn new behavioral techniques to take home with them. Not all centers focus exclusively on drug abuse issues. For example, some may also treat eating disorders.
Treating symptoms
Treating substance addiction may also differ from place to place. In some cases, medication is used to manage withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, a young adult may meet with counselors, medical professionals, and support staff during their stay, who may help them in developing treatment plans.
Choosing a teenage rehabilitation program
Because a rehab facility is often an inpatient, ongoing care facility, parents might want to ensure they select a place where their children will be carefully monitored, supported, and cared for. Before deciding, you may want to contact the facility and ask questions that consider the following factors.
Distance from home
For some families, closeness to home is essential. Even if a center has outstanding reviews, many families may feel it counterproductive to send their children to a faraway facility, where they are less likely to get family support. This choice can be personal and may be made based on the options available in your area and according to your budget.
The type of rehabilitation offered
Different rehabilitation centers may use different therapy models or psychological treatments. Some therapies focus primarily on mental health, while others work on addressing different aspects of a teen’s life. Some centers focus on physical health and use medication as treatment.
Some centers may have a particular religious or philosophical affiliation. Each of these components could positively and negatively impact your family's choice.
Qualifications of staff
Addiction treatment facilities should thoroughly vet all employees. You may wish to look for a rehab center that hires only healthcare professionals with university degrees and clinical experience. Research the facility's history, hiring policy, staff, and client experiences before determining if it is the proper fit for you.
Success rates
Although a success rate does not guarantee your teenager's individual success in treatment, a rehabilitation facility with a high record of recovery might suggest that the treatment program has been beneficial in the past for other adolescents in similar situations.
Amenities offered
As addiction recovery can be a stressful and time-consuming process, many rehabilitation facilities offer amenities to improve guests' stay. These amenities could include a dining hall, movie nights, bowling, or a swimming pool. You might look for a program that offers enjoyable activities for your child.
Some centers also offer equine therapy, a research-based method of treatment that benefits mental health. Studies show that teens participating in equine therapy often report lower anxiety levels and increased positive mood.
Past reviews
When looking for a center, you might consider reviews from past clients, including adults who were once teens in treatment. If there was malpractice, unkindness, or a lack of services, those who once utilized the services might know. Finding a location with many positive reviews from past clients and parents combined can be a positive sign.
Improving mental health through rehabilitation
Mental health is often a component of addiction treatment. Addiction may arise because of poor mental health or a mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Many addictions are fueled by a desire to numb unpleasant or difficult emotions, avoid intrusive thoughts, or banish feelings of inadequacy.
Including mental health as a critical component of addiction treatment may allow therapists and teens to work through the underlying cause of addiction to increase the likelihood of successful recovery.
Removing substances from a teenager's reach may not break an addiction. For this reason, treatment centers often pinpoint an addiction’s underlying cause. Many teenage-specific rehabilitation programs work to create a trusting, professional relationship between the patient and the rehabilitation staff, as well as utilizing peer support groups to build community amongst patients.
Family therapy in rehabilitation
Family therapy may not seem like the most effective method of addiction treatment. However, it may be utilized in rehabilitation centers alongside other forms of treatment.
Often, stressors in family life, such as disagreements, grief, or trauma experienced at home may increase teenage distress. A therapist may act as a neutral observer for teens and families as they discuss mental health, addiction, and treatment. The following family matters may increase the risk of substance use or mental health concerns in teens.
Parental neglect
Parental neglect may occur in several ways, including emotionally or physically. With physical neglect, a caregiver might ignore a child's need to eat, drink, or sleep. They might leave a child for several days or weeks without support.
On the other hand, emotional neglect can look like ignoring a child's emotions, blaming a child for their response to trauma, or refusing to give displays of affection or love, such as hugs, meaningful conversations, or quality time together.
Parental substance use (past or present)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicates that children growing up with a parent who engages in drug or alcohol abuse or experiences addiction may be more likely to develop mental health conditions or a substance addiction themselves. Parental substance use also increases the likelihood of parental neglect.
Unhealthy family dynamics
Authoritarian parenting styles, where parents hold high standards and children cannot fulfill expectations, are often unhealthy for children. Studies show that children raised by authoritarian parents often have unhealthy behavioral patterns as they grow up.
Other unhealthy family behaviors may include expecting children to act as surrogate partners if one parent is absent (physically or emotionally). A parent might also practice favoritism toward one child, or emotionally or physically neglect a teen. Speaking to a family therapist can be one method of identifying potentially unhealthy or toxic family dynamics that may be contributing to a teenager’s substance use.
Unhealthy home environments
An unhealthy home environment could include a home environment where violence is the norm, children are considered a nuisance, or parents and children rarely engage in loving, supportive, and considerate interactions.
Counseling options
No matter what rehabilitation facility you and your teenager decide on, you may also look for alternative treatment methods or support options. Additionally, if you are the parent or caregiver in the situation, you may want to reach out for individual mental health support through a therapist so you can better support your teenage child.
While your teen is going through treatment, you may appreciate the availability and comfort of online treatment options. As many adults feel most comfortable at home, online therapy allows you to meet with a therapist comfortably from your bed, couch, office, or anywhere with an internet connection.
If you are unsure how to proceed with initiating online therapy, speaking to a mental health professional, such as those working on a platform like BetterHelp, may help you gain clarity and perspective. Witnessing your teen experience addiction can feel stressful, concerning, and scary. Caring for your mental health as a parent can be a significant first step toward healing for both you and your child. If your teen hopes to participate in online counseling as well, a platform such as TeenCounseling may be a beneficial choice.
Takeaway
What do you say to someone who just got out of rehab?
If you know someone who just completed drug rehab, you might worry about saying the wrong words. For the most part, the best thing to do is show you love and support for them, but there are guidelines for what you should (and should not) say or do:
- Do: Ask them how you can help them with their recovery
- Don’t: Drink alcohol or consume substances around them
- Do: Invite them to fun activities without drugs or alcohol
- Don’t: Ask them if they’ll ever be able to use substances again
- Do: Tell them you’re proud of them and respect them for their decision to prioritize their mental health
- Don’t: Minimize the legitimacy of their feelings or experience
If someone you love or care about has a substance use disorder, it’s a good idea to join a support group or attend therapy. Substance use disorders are lifelong and are not “curable” even if they get addiction treatment. Getting emotional support and educational resources can help you best support them.
What to say to someone in physical rehab?
Here are some things you can say to help support a loved one receiving residential treatment for a substance use disorder:
- “I’m sure this is incredibly challenging but I’m so proud of you for getting help”
- “What can I do to support you?”
- “I’m here for you”
- “It’s common to experience depression, anxiety, and sadness during recovery, but it’ll get better”
- “I believe in you”
- “I’d love to spend more time together after you’ve completed your treatment program”
If your loved one is in a rehab center, offering your support and expressing your love can be very meaningful and increase the effectiveness of their mental health treatment.
What is the last stage of rehab?
The five stages of drug abuse recovery are:
- Pre-contemplation: At this point, people with substance use disorders don’t want to consider that their substance use is problematic, and they may become defensive if their loved one’s express concern.
- Contemplation: During this stage, people may reach a point where they recognize that their substance use is problematic. They may consider reducing the use of substances in a noncommittal way.
- Preparation: In the third stage, people may consider stopping the use of substances, starting treatment programs, or researching rehab centers.
- Action: In the fourth stage, people seek mental health treatment, which may include going to in-person treatment centers, starting outpatient programs, or checking themselves in for full or partial hospitalization for withdrawal symptoms.
- Maintenance: The final stage of rehab is maintenance. Substance use disorders are lifelong mental health challenges that don’t go away after someone stops using substances. Evidence-based approaches, like cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy, can help people prevent relapses and improve their mental health.
The last stage of recovery, maintenance, is often considered the most important stage of the rehab process.
How do you motivate patients to go to rehabilitation?
Here are some strategies that might help people with a substance use disorder or dual diagnosis get treatment:
- Talk with your doctor or therapist about how you can help your loved one
- Have an honest but nonjudgemental conversation with them about your concerns
- Focus on the facts
- Don’t use stigmatizing language like “alcoholic” or “junkie”
- Have the conversation when they’re sober
- Offer to help them find resources
- Set healthy boundaries to preserve your mental health
- Remind them that they’re not alone
If your loved one refuses treatment, it can be helpful to educate yourself about substance use disorders, work on your boundaries and enforce consequences if they’re crossed, take care of your own needs, learn about how you might be enabling their behavior, and offer support for when they’re ready to get help.
Why is rehab important for patients?
According to a 2022 survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 17% of Americans aged 12 or over had a substance use disorder within the past year. Rehabilitation programs can help people stay sober, boost their mental health, and improve the quality of life for both them and their loved ones.
How long is rehabilitation recovery?
The duration of rehabilitation can vary considerably, based on many factors. For example, some people progress within a few weeks of intensive outpatient treatment. In contrast, others may benefit more from long-term dual diagnosis treatment if they are experiencing more than one mental disorder.
What is the most difficult part of the rehabilitation process?
When someone stops using substances that their body has developed a physical dependence on, they often experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms, though temporary, can be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous.
However, while the detox period may be the hardest part of rehabilitation for some people, others may find it more difficult later if they must confront challenging emotions that they’ve historically used substances to suppress.
While rehabilitation can be very challenging, it’s estimated that around 75% of people eventually reach recovery even if their path is not linear.
What are the goals of rehabilitation?
The primary goal of substance use rehabilitation is typically reaching and maintaining sobriety. However, many people create additional goals to motivate themselves and measure their progress. Here are examples of some goals people in rehab might have:
- Reach five days of sobriety
- Move to a safe, substance-free home
- Apologize and try to repair relationships with people hurt by substance use
- Join a local group for substance use recovery support
- Help young adults reach sobriety by sharing my story
- Enroll in therapy to address underlying challenges that contributed to substance use
- Use a healthy coping skill next time something is overwhelming
The best types of goals to set for recovery are SMART goals. These goals are:
- S: Specific
- M: Measurable
- A: Achievable
- R: Realistic
- T: Time-sensitive
SMART goals are often created during cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, and they can provide people with a way to track their recovery progress and motivate them to keep working toward self-improvement.
What is the purpose or main goal of the care provided by rehabilitation?
Some of the main goals of rehabilitation include:
- Achieving and maintaining sobriety
- Gaining healthy coping mechanisms and tools that aid in continued recovery
- Regaining the ability to carry out daily functions
- Improving mental health and quality of life
- Learning how addiction works
What is an example of rehabilitation?
There are many types of rehabilitation, such as substance use rehabilitation, physical therapy, speech therapy, recreational therapy, and occupational therapy. As defined by the World Health Organization, rehabilitation refers to any set of interventions intended to optimize daily functioning and improve the ability of people with physical and mental health conditions interact with their environment.
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