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What’s it like in treatment? What will my son/daughter have to go through? Will I be welcome to visit my child? These are just a few of the questions that go through a parent’s mind when they find out their child needs treatment.
The first thing a teen’s parent needs to knowis that visiting is often not allowed at first. Addicts spend the first period of time getting used to their new surroundings and learning how to live without getting high or drunk. This no-contact period can take from a week to a month, depending on the treatment center’s policies.
Upon admission they’ll be assigned a treatment team that includes counselors and doctors. These people will be key in aiding the addict’s new walk in life, starting with treating withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
What‘s Next for my Child?
The teen will learn what triggers are and how to prevent relapse upon exposure to them, with the help of a counselor. Balance in life is taught, whether for food, drink or our thoughts; all aspects of life.
The treatment team will teach the teenager skills in reconnecting with important people in his/her life and they learn to focus on important things. Each stage of treatment requires the addict to rely on family and friends to help, create positive behaviors, identify high risk triggers and use coping mechanisms.
The very best, most important help a family member or friend can offer a recovering addict is to be there for them. Listen to them, encourage healthy lifestyle changes and help them to rebuild their lives. Always be there when they need support.
