When your teen is struggling with addiction, you might feel helpless while they begin their journey to recovery. It would seem the hardest part is behind you once your teen has gotten help for their addiction, however, many parents find themselves struggling to connect with their teen or know the right way to support them during recovery.
In this brief article, our team specializing in substance abuse recovery in Tampa with Phoenix House Florida has shared three tips to help guide you in providing support for your teen through their addiction recovery process.
1. Remain Patient Through the Process
One of the most important, and sometimes difficult, things for parents to understand is that the process is not going to be linear. The road to recovery is often filled with potholes. These might take the form of relapses, outbursts of anger, or physical changes. Throughout these changes, parents will need to remain as patient as possible with their teens.
This might sound like the same advice you likely heard when you had a toddler, and then later when your child was going through puberty. Knowing there will be changes in your child, however, doesn’t make it necessarily easy, and it is your single greatest tool to help re-establish or maintain trust between you and your teen.
2. Learn About Addiction
Another tool to keep in your teen addiction support toolbox is knowledge. Much of what we know about addiction comes from television and movies, and nearly all of it is through the lens of adulthood. But, addiction can look very different in teens, and the way they respond to therapy and rehabilitation can look different as well.
We recommend to not only read all about addiction and treatment options, but to talk to your teen’s therapists and treatment center to learn the best resources available. Your teen is likely in a unique situation that needs extra guidance, and by learning about and from the resources available, you can help guide your teen in the right direction.
3. Engage in Family Therapy
You may be surprised to learn that you can receive help in both inpatient and outpatient settings. That means you may be able to go through rehabilitation while still working, caring for your family, and handling other personal duties. Your counselor will discuss the best option for you, whether in person or through virtual sessions.
If you or a loved one are suffering from substance abuse issues, help is available with Phoenix House Florida. Licensed therapists will help you address and unlock the causes behind your addictive behaviors and will help you on your road to recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, speak with a counselor from the substance abuse treatment center in Tampa through Phoenix House Florida. To schedule a consultation with Phoenix House Florida, please request an appointment today.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Phoenix House Florida website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services provided by Phoenix House Florida or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.