It’s a decision that no parent wants to make, but the fact is it may be a necessity if your teen has fallen in with the wrong crowd and developed a problem with drugs. It’s a situation that tens of thousands of parents all around the world find themselves in, and with teenagers less likely to understand the seriousness of it and being more likely to resist in treatment, it can be a hugely difficult decision to make.
Rehabilitation for drugs is so important though to get your teens life back on track and in many parts of the world, it is your decision whether your teen should go through that process. In the USA, a child can be put into a rehab centre without their consent from aged 17 or under.
While that may feel harsh, pushing your child to do something against their will, it is for the benefit of them not just in the short term, but for the remainder of their life. But when is the right time to do it?
Establish their problem with addiction
The first thing to do is establish and determine whether they do have an addiction. Pushing a teenager into a treatment centre when they aren’t suffering from addiction is only going to cause problems. Problems which could damage a relationship for good.
There are many signs of teen substance abuse. However, many of these also overlap with symptoms of mental illness, so gaining a diagnosis and establishing what the issue is should be a first port of call.
Signs of addiction to drugs can include:
- A change in social circles
- Secretive behaviour
- Changes in grooming and hygiene
- Changes in their health such as sickness
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Mood swings
And a number of other signs, many of which will typically revolve around major changes in how they look and behave both around yourself and others.
Time to intervene
Firstly, consider an intervention. Directly throwing your teenager into a rehab centre is going to heighten stress levels for both your teen and you. Speak to them first and allow them to also decide that rehab is the right thing for them.
By speaking to your teen you’ll be able to understand the reasoning behind their addiction, how it’s making them feel and what they want to do about it. You can also reasonably explain the best options for them, which will ultimately allow them to fully come to terms with their problem and why it needs solving.
There should be no judgement, no anger, just an honest and heartfelt conversation that allows your teenager to know that you care, you’re looking out for them, and you’ll support them every step of the way.
Treatment and aftercare
It’s at this point where you’ll be able to encourage your teenager to get the treatment they need. You should help them every step of the way and be a calming and encouraging presence throughout the process.
Upon their return home, it’s important to make the home a safe space and continue to be honest and supportive. Not only will that allow them to continue their recovery, but it will also ensure that your relationship with your teen remains strong, which will also go a long way to preventing relapse.
