Parents everywhere suffer from varying degrees of separation anxiety every time their children step out into the world. School bullies, abduction or the possibility of a shooting rampage in school is enough to give parents sleepless nights. But perhaps the one problem of modern society that keeps parents worried every single day is the ever growing problem with teenage substance abuse. The moment kids leave the house, parents no longer have control over what happens to them out there; what they do, where they go, who they talk to etc.

How can parents protect their kids from the clutches of substance abuse? It may not seem like it but parents have more influence over their kids than their friends, the internet, TV, celebrity lifestyles, movies and disturbing music combined.

You are your child’s first teacher…

Lay down a strong foundation at home and rest assured that your kids will know the right thing to do when faced with negative choices. Kids who learn about the serious risks of drug abuse from their parents are 50% less likely to even try using drugs compared to kids who get introduced to it outside of the home. When parents set a good example early on, the good and healthy habits stick with the kids wherever they go, whomever they are with.

Become involved in your child’s life…

Yes, parents can be a part of their teenager’s life without seeming meddlesome. What activities occupy them in school and what do they like doing afterwards?  Attend school events. See if their favorite hangout is a safe enough place, not frequented by unscrupulous characters dealing in illegal drugs and preying on teenagers. Learn about the movies they like, their favorite songs etc. Teenagers won’t openly admit it, but they think it’s cool when their parents don’t have a blank look on their faces when they mention the coolest new rock band in town.

Get to know your child’s friends…

Let them invite friends over. It will be a way for parents to get to know their child’s friends and get a chance to meet their families as well. This is an opportunity for parents to study what kind of influence the other kids might possibly have on their child.

Make it a habit to talk to your child about absolutely anything…

When the time comes to talk to your child about difficult subjects like sex or drug addiction, you will likely not have any awkward moments if you’re used to dialogs like this to begin with. It will be easier to tell your child of your fears about substance abuse and what you expect from him, emphasizing that you trust him to do the right thing if he is ever faced with an opportunity to try marijuana, prescription painkillers or any other illegal drug.

Set boundaries, be consistent and be firm…

Remember you are a parent first, and a friend second. Confusing cool parenting with being more like a friend to your child creates a permissive atmosphere without respectable boundaries. Be clear about the rules and stick with them.

Never be complacent…

Watch out for warning flags, like unexplained changes in your child’s activities, attitude, performance in school etc. Periodically check with school officials as well. Your kid might be acting normal at home but totally different in school. Some of these changes may be signs of substance abuse.

References:

http://www.ncpc.org/topics/drug-abuse/alcohol-tobacco-and-other-drugs

http://tresearch.org/parent_center/JMATE_parent-Winters.pdf

http://www.drugfree.org/prevent

http://www.ehow.com/how_2292503_prevent-adolescent-substance-abuse.html

The fact that you’re reading this could mean you are considering finding help for yourself, a family member or a friend. If you are seeking help for yourself, then you deserve a pat on the back. Acknowledging that you have a substance abuse problem and that you need help is a critical first step in turning your life around. If you are here looking for available drug abuse treatment programs for someone else, then they are lucky to have somebody who cares enough to take the time to understand what’s in store for them on the road to recovery.

Understanding Drug Addiction

Many people view drug addiction and people afflicted with it with disdain even without any clear understanding of the circumstances that may have contributed to it. They are quick to dismiss a drug addict as a non-person for having made that fateful (spelled “stupid”) choice to begin using drugs in the first place.

Drug addiction is a medical condition. It is a disease. Like many diseases of the modern world, it is treatable. It can be managed just as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease are managed by the people suffering from them. For treatment to be truly effective, it has to be carefully planned according to the specific needs of the person being treated. People in treatment for drug addiction undergo behavioral therapies like counseling, psychotherapy, support group sharing and/or family therapy. Specific medications also help manage the withdrawal episodes that are often the hardest for the patients physically.

Types of Treatment Programs

As modern society faces bigger challenges with drug addiction, more substance abuse treatment centers are opening their doors, each focusing on their own treatment philosophies. As a result, there are now drug rehab facilities that treat patients according to the following:

• Drug of choice
• Age
• Gender
• Lifestyle
• Religion

Depending on the severity of addiction, the above programs can also be any of the following:

• In-patient – the kind of treatment where the services are provided by licensed medical facilities like hospitals.

• Residential – the patient lives in a medically supervised facility that is not a hospital, where he is able to live a drug-free life in an environment away from familiar surroundings.

• Short Stay – these typically last for up to 30 days, focusing on getting patients clean, sober and able to resume normal lives. These programs are well-suited for short term addictions or for patients who have previously completed a full-blown treatment.

• Outpatient – the patient is free to come and go as he pleases; only coming in for regular visits to attend individual or group counseling. This type of substance abuse treatment program is for drug abusers who have stable, well-integrated lives.

How much will it cost?

After a thorough assessment, the patient will be given appropriate drug abuse treatment options to choose from. From there, insurance and budget considerations can be worked out to come to the least costly option without compromising the integrity of the treatment.

Medical Credentials and Accreditation

It is important to find out if the drug rehab program has the appropriate state licenses and a JCAHO accreditation to prove that it is compliant with quality medical care standards.

Will the patient’s family be involved in the treatment?

In the majority of cases, the patient’s family is integral in the recovery process. Find out how much involvement the patient’s family will have in the treatment program, if any.

Is there a continuing care program?

Drug addiction treatment and recovery is an ongoing process. Even if the actual rehab took several months, there are no quick fixes for substance abuse. Everyday back into mainstream society will be a struggle and it is important to get the kind of support that a continuing program provides.

Substance abuse treatment needs commitment. Begin by doing your homework. Learn as much as you can about all the available treatment options.

Sources:

http://tresearch.org/resources/presentations/Fin_Carise_CO_2007.ppt

http://www.drug-rehabs.com/treatment-methods.htm

http://www.drug-rehabs.com/

http://www.addictionsearch.com/treatment_articles/article/long-term-addiction-treatment-and-drug-and-alcohol-rehabilitation-methods_74.html

http://www.drug-rehabcenter.com/blog/general-addiction/reality-based-substance-abuse-treatment-program-improves-successful-recovery

http://www.rehabdirectory.com/short-term-residential-rehab.html