There are over 1 million young people addicted to illicit drugs. An almost equal number are addicted to alcohol. Not all of these adolescents need residential treatment or an adolescent drug rehab facility. To avoid this, however, two things must be achieved: a complete cessation of substance abuse and a demonstrated open and improving ability of the adolescent’s family to talk about the problem and find solutions in harmony clinic.
But that’s easier said than done. And what should you do as this teen’s parent if your doctor recommends inpatient drug rehab for teens?
The good news is that there are benefits to this type of recommendation. Most kids – nearly 75% – who need adolescent drug rehab never receive it. So don’t think of the referral as something to be afraid of. Think of it as an opportunity, a “wake-up call” that you can use to help your child.
So feel good that your son or daughter has the opportunity to get the teen drug rehab they need. And if you help them sooner rather than later, their brain and psyche (which are still developing and maturing) will improve significantly. This will improve their quality of life well into adulthood.
So how can you make an informed decision about drug rehab for teens that works and is affordable?
First, get several recommendations from your doctor for a drug rehab facility for teens. Then scan the websites of these facilities. Even the most basic information is useful at this stage:
Where are they located? Location is critical because you are not going to just drop your child off and walk away. It is imperative that you play an important role in your teen’s drug rehabilitation. You need to plan to visit your child on a regular basis. Not only that, but many teen drug rehab facilities won’t even accept your child unless you commit to being actively involved in their recovery. Later, your child will be allowed to spend weekends at your home – if recovery warrants it. So look for a facility that is close to you.
What are the costs? Actively find out all the costs involved, whether or not you have insurance for adolescent drug rehab. Knowing all the costs will help you make informed comparisons between facilities. It will also help you better assess which costs are likely to be covered by insurance and/or Medicaid. Also note that some programs make it easier for you to get subsidies that cover the difference between costs that are covered by insurance and those that are not. So be sure to inquire about financial aid options.
What type of accreditation does the facility have? Make sure the facility is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) or equivalent. You should not consider an unaccredited adolescent drug treatment facility. Also inquire about licensing. Find out if the facility is licensed by the state, such as the Department of Health.
What is the facility’s treatment philosophy? Does the facility treat people of all ages together? Or are teenagers treated separately? Research has shown that the success rate of drug cessation for adolescents is higher when adolescent patients are strictly separated from adult patients.What about the 12-step model: Does the facility commit to it? If so, be aware that there is a spiritual component to this type of treatment. Are you sure your child is receptive to it? If not, it could have a negative impact on his or her recovery. Find out if there is an alternative and if your child’s academic needs will be addressed. Just because your child is attending a juvenile drug rehab facility doesn’t mean his education should be sacrificed.
What about his emotional needs? Will psychological therapy be provided? How often will your child meet with a therapist? What are the goals of therapy and how is parental involvement encouraged? Is there a regular “family day”? Does the adolescent rehab facility provide support and encouragement for the entire family?
How long will treatment last? Find out how long an average inpatient treatment stay lasts. This, of course, depends on the facility – and on your child. Is it measured in weeks or months? You should also inquire about how many adolescents are typically treated at one time. How large are the groups in which the youth are treated? What kind of rules are in place at the drug rehab facility for youth – specifically, what rules (if broken) are grounds for dismissal from the facility…?
You should also ask about the availability of aftercare, i.e., what kind of support does the facility offer after your child leaves the inpatient program. This is perhaps the most important issue that will determine your teen’s long-term success. It is common for your teen to actively participate in outpatient therapy, both individual and group, for at least 12 months. This is another reason to choose a teen drug rehab facility near your home.
What is the admission process? At this time, the severity of your teen’s condition will be determined and the most appropriate level of treatment will be determined. Sometimes this involves your child undergoing psychological and/or medical testing. Also, some basic decisions will be made about the type of treatment your child will receive, such as outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, etc. Stay involved – find out what steps are being taken at this stage.
Other important considerations
If it hasn’t become clear by now, you need to visit the teen drug rehab facilities that are on your list before you make your decision.
All the photos in the world, all the websites can help you narrow down your choices, but ultimately you need to be on site to make a final decision. And see the facility as your child might see it.
Some things to look for:
- Is the facility well maintained?
- Are there places for residents to hang out and be active during inclement weather?
- What do the meal times look like?
- How do the interactions between adults and youth work? If possible, observe a full day of activities.
- Are the classrooms well equipped?
- Perhaps most important of all, contact parents of youth who have already left the facility. Take some time to talk with them about how things went. There are some tough questions you’ll need to ask, but it’s worth it. For example: Did their child relapse after leaving the teen drug rehab facility?
- Summary
If you need to choose a teen drug rehab facility for your child, the decision will not be easy for many reasons. You will have to spend some time learning and educating yourself about substance abuse. But it’s worth it, because it will help your teen achieve a faster – and longer-lasting – recovery.
