No parent wants to have a teen addicted to drugs or alcohol or have to place them in a teen drug rehab facility. Putting your teenager in this type of center will probably be one of the hardest things you, as a parent, can do. Yes, you are glad they are getting the help they need now, but what does the future hold? When you come out of drug rehab, there are strategies you can use to help yourself, your teen, and your family overcome the challenges of the drug rehab process.

In your teen’s life, substance abuse can have a long-term divestment impact on their lives. This is why it is so important to do everything you can to help them overcome their addiction.

Learn what you can about addition

Addiction, or substance abuse, is a broad category. It can include prescription drugs, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Each of these can have its own impact on your adolescent’s physical and mental health. You can help by educating yourself about your specific addiction, which will help you understand more about the process of recovering from this addiction. This will help you be prepared in terms of what to expect regarding your recovery process in the weeks, months, and years to come.

Don’t let your teenager take over

Teens can be manipulative and stubborn and try to convince you that they should quit teen drug rehab early. They may tell you they’ve learned their lesson, but if you don’t comply and get them out early, they can promise they won’t talk to you again. You can expect all kinds of tactics that can include threats, crying, pleading, and cold silences. Listen to your teenager and tell him that you love him and that you placed him in a teen drug rehab center to save his life.

Be active in therapy

They will usually have family therapy during their stay, so actively participating in these sessions is a top priority. Make it a priority and attend all sessions. In these therapy sessions, you will learn how to work with your teenager and not against him so that you can help him have the best chance of a successful recovery.

When you are discharged, have a plan

Substance abuse is a chronic condition and treatment at a teen drug rehab is only the first part of the recovery process. Work with the drug rehab center to create a real-world entry plan. Before discharge, make sure they are clear about the house rules, which may include strict curfews, expectations regarding behavior and school, scheduled assignments, and consequences if not followed.