Teenagers can be difficult to deal with. Add in a addiction to drugs and alcohol and a family can simply become overwhelmed, particularly when it comes to the parent-child relationships which are most likely already under some strain. Licensed social worker Johnny Patout believes there are a few steps or stages to dealing with an addicted teen, and coming from thirty years of experience, the steps seem attainable and take a realistic approach for a positive outcome.
First Mr. Patout believes that a quality rehabilitation center is key. The center should be staffed with experienced counselors as well as qualified physicians, 24 hour nursing staff and experienced psychiatrists.
Second, Partout suggests that the family of the addict become more involved in the recovery process. He thinks that addiction is a ‘family’ disease and resolving family issues during treatment will be quite beneficial.
And third, it is suggested that after the in-patient care at the rehabilitation center, the patient should go on to seek out groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and regularly attend something he calls ‘after-care’ at their treatment facility.
The recovery process can be frightening for teens and their families. Leaning on each other and seeking the help of addiction professionals can provide families with the necessary tools to get through such a troubling time.
It seems that Mr. Patout has covered all the bases. Too many young addicts avoid treatment or admit they have a problem, and often times their parents don’t know or don’t have the resources to help their child on their own. While there are outstanding care facilities for those fighting addiction, the whole exercise can be compromised if the teen returns to a broken home or to a family that does not support them. Involving one’s parents in the healing process is crucial, and educating them about what happened to their children will assist in the months or years of their loved one’s journey to sobriety and a healthy, optimistic future free of addiction.