Teen addiction is an epidemic in the US, and increasingly, parents are getting proactive about getting the help their kids need to live full, successful lives without the devastating effects of substance dependency. As a response, many parents are discovering that residential treatment for teens is an effective, long-term solution for addressing their kid’s struggles with addiction. If this sounds familiar, then you might be wondering about ways you can continue to support and uplift teens while they are in an addiction recovery program. With this in mind, here are some creative ways to remind your child that they are supported and loved – as well as help them maintain a positive attitude while in recovery.
Help Them Prepare
Residential treatment programs all differ, but most facilities allow teens to pack certain items during their stay. Consequently, you can support your teen by helping them pack their belongings and prepare. When you consider that your child might be going through depression or intense emotions about leaving their comfort zone and going into recovery – then the task of packing might be overwhelming for them. Ask if they need help first, and follow their lead. If they are amenable, do your best to stay supportive and positive as you help your teen prepare for their term in recovery.
Send Them Thoughtful Sentiments
Some inpatient recovery programs allow parents to send their teens cards or packages while in treatment. If allowed, send your teen thoughtful items that will keep them uplifted and give them a smile. This doesn’t have to be extravagant. A simple picture of you and your teen during happier days can make a big difference in your child’s attitude. Send them funny postcards or uplifting notes while they are in recovery. Sometimes the simple yet thoughtful gestures are the most inspiring for teens in treatment.
Tuck a Surprise in Their Bag
Write a message of encouragement or make a love note and slip it in your teen’s backpack or purse before they leave for recovery treatment. Put it where they can find it when they get to their destination. This small act can reassure your teen that they are loved and you are supporting their journey into recovery. You can even plant a token, trinket, or a worry stone in their bag, so it is waiting for them to discover. Once they find your surprise, your teen is bound to feel an upswing in his or her mood.
Visit Regularly
Most long-term recovery programs allow regular visitations. If this is the case with your teen’s addiction treatment, then take every opportunity to visit regularly. Maintaining regular visitations will show your teen that you are on their side and committed to supporting them in their recovery.
Make the Most of Visitations
While we’re on the subject of visitations, it’s important to squeeze the best out of every moment you have with your teen. Now, we understand that teens in treatment might be cranky at best or downright combative at worst. Nevertheless, resist getting into conflict or arguments during visitations.
Follow your child’s lead during visiting time. If they don’t want to talk, don’t force them to. Try not to fill the void with incessant questions or empty words. Instead, just be present with your teen. Speak to them in supportive, calm, and encouraging ways. Or, simply sit with them and gently hold their hand. Sometimes the words we do not say speak the most volume to our kids.
Take Advantage of Family Counseling
It’s a given that addiction recovery programs for teens offer programs that help kids live addiction free. Most programs also offer therapy and counseling for parents and family members too. If your teen’s program offers this service, then take advantage of it. If they don’t, go to support groups or engage in therapy while your teen is in recovery.
Doing this will help you understand what your teen is going through and how more effectively to communicate with him or her. Furthermore, obtaining mental health care for yourself is critical to ensure your personal well-being is supported while helping your teen in recovery.
In closing, it’s important to remember that recovery is an opportunity for both you and your child to have a fresh start. We hope these tips on how to uplift teens while they are in an addiction recovery program offer insight into how you can support your teen through this challenging yet promising time in their lives.
