When a teenager or young adult child has a problem with alcohol or drugs, it can cause parents to experience anger, fear, and disappointment. Dealing with an addiction problem for any family member can be confusing and overwhelming, but it may feel even more when the addict is your child. It’s important to realize that wishing your child didn’t have an addiction problem won’t make the problem go away. Your next step should be finding the right detox for your child.
How do you get help for your child so that your family may begin the healing process? You’ve already done the hardest part, which is recognizing that there is a problem that needs to be solved. The next step is to find the right detox or treatment facility for your child. Our Right Step medical detox center is prepared to help your child achieve long-term recovery and give them the tools to stay drug and alcohol-free. Call us today at 17135283709 to set your child’s life back on the right track.
Treatment Options for Addiction Recovery
The type of treatment your child needs will depend on what substance or substances they have been abusing and for how long. In many cases, by the time a parent finds out there is a problem with addiction, substance abuse has likely been going on for some time. Detoxing from substance abuse may be done inpatient or outpatient, depending on whether the addict has become physically dependent on the substance.
Don’t automatically assume your child should be home while they detox because that may not be in their best interest. Withdrawing from some chemicals, particularly alcohol, can be extremely dangerous. Deciding whether to get inpatient or outpatient treatment is your decision. However, you should make it with your doctor or an addiction specialist. Along with guidance from addiction professionals, it’s important to educate yourself about addiction in general and adolescent addiction in particular.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Medical Detox for Children
The addiction specialist can help determine the addiction level and the best treatment approach. They will make recommendations on the length of treatment required and whether your child would benefit from being in an inpatient treatment environment. In an inpatient treatment program, your child will live in a structured environment for several days to several weeks.
If your child is physically dependent on alcohol or any other substances, your doctor will probably recommend inpatient detox. Your child can withdraw from the substances in a medically supervised setting. Overcoming physical dependence is only the first step on the journey of recovery. Continued treatment may include:
- Counseling
- Support groups
- Lifestyle changes
Differences Between Treating Addiction in Adolescents and Adults
When seeking treatment for adolescent addiction, it’s essential to find a facility that offers programs geared toward adolescents. Teenagers are still developing in many ways on physical, emotional, and mental levels. For an adolescent to have adequate treatment, staff should be thoroughly trained in adolescent development, and family members should be a part of the treatment plan. Group therapy is often helpful for adolescents and young adults, since communicating with peers is very important to members of this age group. Treating adolescents also involves consideration of acting out behavior, education, and family dynamics.
While you may be able to find a facility specializing in teen addiction if your child is between 12 and 17, there aren’t many treatment facilities that specialize in the treatment of young adults between 18 and 25. Some adolescent treatment programs accept young adults in this age group. If your child is in this age group, remember that treatment geared to adults may not be very effective for young adults.
The right detox for your child should consider their age group as well as which substances have been abused and for how long. You should be an educated participant in your child’s recovery, and you will be able to decide where your child should obtain treatment after consulting with treatment professionals.
Long-Term Considerations For Addiction Recovery
Once your child has gone through detox, it doesn’t mean they won’t struggle. Addiction of any type, including alcoholism, is a chronic illness. While the goal is complete abstinence from all mind-altering substances, for many addicts, the nature of addiction means that there will continue to be the possibility of relapse. An aftercare plan will probably be put into place once your child is discharged from inpatient treatment, which will include continued support groups or other forms of therapy.
You and other members of your family may participate in family therapy, which will be helpful for both you and your child. Participating in support groups such as Al-Anon can help you realize that you are not alone. Get to know as much as possible about addiction, and continue to care for yourself throughout your child’s recovery.
Taking The Right Step For Detox For Your Child
The detox process must be carefully managed to ensure the patient’s health and safety while mitigating any risk of a relapse. Finding the right detox for your child doesn’t have to be difficult. At Right Step, we offer a variety of detox programs, including:
Learn more about finding the right detox for your child with The Right Step, where we offer full guidance and payment plans for every detox program. Don’t hesitate to call 17135283709 today.
