Child Addiction
September 20, 2023
Addiction treatment begins after a person has withdrawn from a drug. Some addicts will need medical treatment if a diagnosis is made for a condition aside from the addiction, also know as dual-diagnosis. Some will focus on changing their behavior using a 12 step system or other behavior based program. During the detox program the subsequent diagnosis will be determined and an appropriate plan can be made.
If a teen has already unsuccessfully tried a rehabilitation program while living at home they may require treatment in a residential setting. A teen with an addiction may have other issues; These issues can be assessed, diagnosed and treated in a residential treatment facility. If a teen is diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder this can make it more difficult to recover from their addiction. A residential treatment facility can give them a stable environment to begin their recovery. This stable beginning step can give them a better chance to stay on the path to recovery. It provides them with a safe place to practice coping skills that help them learn how to live in a community. In a residential facility the teen can get individual therapy from psychiatrists, doctors, and other professionals. They can get support from other people dealing with the same issues in group therapy. Within the facility they can receive instruction to develop coping skills to stay sober and manage their dual-diagnosis.
While the teen is receiving treatment, there is also counseling for the whole family. The family will learn how to make their home a safe place for the teen to be sober and use the new skills they have learned.While the teen is still in the extended treatment facility, the treatment team and the teen can figure out what else they need. When problems arise on the brief outings other assistance may be indicated. Perhaps the teen will need vocational counseling in order to be successful at finding a job. Perhaps they will need academic support. This extended treatment time provides the opportunity to get any help that is needed. It is best to identify these needs before there is a big problem when the teen returns home.
A parent’s job during treatment is to support their child. A parent can show their support in many ways. First they should respect the direction given to them and contact their child in the way that is prescribed by the treatment facility. A teen may rebel against the facility at some phases of the treatment; a parent should show absolute cooperation with the facility. It would not be helpful to let the teen try to enlist the parent against the facility. As mentioned before the parent needs to strike a balance between being loving & gentle and firm.Parents will be the ones who have to initiate contact with the treatment facility and then they will have to support their child through the whole process. Parents need to learn the new communication skills that their child is learning. In addition, they need to do their job and take care of their home and themselves. Then they will be ready to welcome their child home and to support them on their recovery journey.