If you have a son or daughter struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, you may be wondering if youth residential treatment programs are safe. The first thing to understand about your child’s addiction is that they’re struggling with an illness, but they can get better. Addiction is a progressive disease, and it’s much easier to overcome an addiction when it’s in the earlier stages. By having an early intervention for your child, they have the opportunity to turn their life around and get back on the right track.
A youth residential treatment program is the best option for your child to begin getting the help that they need. Young people struggle with specific problems, and it’s better for them to be with their peers rather than adults when they’re trying to recover. Going to a facility that also has adults can actually be counter-productive to your child’s recovery. One of the main reasons is because young people struggling with an addiction often don’t want to listen to those who are older than them.
Peer Support
In a group setting, your child will be with their peers, which will be extremely beneficial for their recovery. They’ll have the ability to relate to the stories from others who are young and struggling with an addiction. Young people have a slew of stresses and challenges they’re dealing with such as school, sports, friendships, love and much more, so it’s important that they’re with others who understand. These other young people in treatment will be there to support your son or daughter in their recovery, and they’ll build strong bonds together.
Professional Support
One of the primary parts of treatment is individualized therapy as well because it’s important to understand why your child started drinking or using drugs in the first place. Licensed professionals at a youth residential treatment program specialize in working with young people to help them get down to the root of their problems. Your son or daughter may be struggling with self-esteem issues, peer pressure or even problems at home that they don’t feel comfortable discussing with you. It’s important to remember that it doesn’t make you a bad parent if your child doesn’t feel uncomfortable opening up to you. This is completely normal, and sometimes they are more comfortable opening up to a therapist.
Young people are also at risk of developing symptoms of mental illness because most symptoms begin to occur as a young person becomes a teenager. Beginning to struggle with symptoms of anxiety or depression can be extremely confusing and scary, so your child may be self-medicating with drugs or alcohol. Working with a therapist will help your child get a proper diagnosis while also learning new coping skills that will help them manage their mental health in a much better way.
Some of the most common mental health issues young people struggle with include the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- ADHD
- Personality disorders
- Trauma
As your child begins to progress through the treatment program, you’ll begin to become involved as well. You’ll begin to learn the best ways to help support your child in their recovery, and the whole family will begin to heal. By the time your child discharges, you and your family will have hope that your child will recover and live the life that they deserve.
