For young adults struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, recovery can be challenging. Reaching adulthood and navigating school, relationships, and employment is full of obstacles, and substance use issues can add another layer of complexity. Many young people are more likely to want to talk with a psychiatrist or therapist instead of reaching out for teen addiction rehab from professionals at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. However, this tendency can keep young people from receiving the teen addiction treatment that would truly help.
At The Right Step, our extensive experience in helping adolescents recover from substance use disorders has provided us with insights into the challenges teens can face. There are many reasons that teens might be hesitant to begin an inpatient treatment program, but knowing how to address those fears can ensure that they get the help they need.
Why Teens Can Hesitate to Begin Addiction Rehab
1. Teens Value Independence
Teens with an addiction to drugs and alcohol often prefer to see psychiatrists or therapists rather than begin a treatment program. Why? Because in treatment, they’ll find more accountability, and that can be challenging for teens who are testing out their independence. In a teen addiction rehab program, participants talk through what they’re facing with therapists as well as their peers in recovery. A regular therapist who does not specialize in addiction is also less likely to confront your teen about the need to become completely sober than a well-trained addiction specialist would be.
2. Young Adults Have Busy Schedules
Regular therapy visits usually only occur on a weekly basis. For busy teens, this can be a good thing. It gives them more time to focus on their schoolwork, hobbies, and social lives without having to worry about attending group meetings or other treatments sessions. However, this can also lead to less accountability and make it easy for teens to relapse between visits.
Inpatient treatment programs require a bigger time commitment, but that’s because they provide around-the-clock care. This means that your teen will have more structure and support, which can lead to a better chance of long-term recovery.
3. Teens May Feel Ashamed of Their Substance Use
Addiction is often seen as a moral failing, and this can be especially true for teens. They may feel like they are disappointing their parents or that they are bad people because of their substance use. As a result, they may be hesitant to seek help for fear of being judged. However, the stigma of addiction is gradually beginning to fade as more people learn about the disease and its impact on those with substance use disorders.
4. Teens Don’t Realize How Addiction Treatment Can Help
Many teens don’t realize how effective addiction treatment can be. They may see it as a last resort, something to be tried only when all other options have failed. In reality, addiction treatment can be incredibly effective, especially when it’s started early on. Just a few of the benefits of teen addiction treatment programs include:
- Reduced risk of overdose
- Improved school performance
- improved mental and physical health
- Stronger relationships with family and friends
- A sense of purpose and direction in life
5. Mental Health Struggles Keep Teens from Recognizing Their Addiction Issues
In addition to the challenges of addiction, many teens struggle with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. For these teens, it can be difficult to see their addiction as a problem because they’re used to feeling bad. They may not realize that their substance use is making their mental health problems worse. As a result, they may not see the need for treatment.
Reach Out to The Right Step for Teen Addiction Treatment
At The Right Step, teens can get the help they need to recover from substance use disorders. Our team of addiction experts will work with your teen to create a personalized treatment plan that meets their unique needs. Through evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, we can help your teen overcome their addiction and build a foundation for a healthy and happy life in recovery. To learn more, contact us today at 17135283709 or reach out to our team online.
