Deciding to seek treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD) is a big decision. It takes sacrifice and hard work to beat addiction. This article explores how we must go the extra mile to gain a happy and stable life in recovery.
Unique Struggle of Teens
When it comes to treatment for SUD, a few factors need to be considered for teens. First, they may not be ready to face their addiction and enter treatment. This can be due to various factors, such as denial, fear, or shame. Additionally, teens may not have the support of their family or friends, which can make treatment seem like an impossible goal. Finally, financial barriers can also prevent teens from getting their needed help. Treating SUD is an essential step in recovery, but it’s crucial to ensure all factors are considered before deciding to go to treatment.
Sacrifice
Treatment for SUD, in terms of the individual and the family, often requires significant sacrifice. To effectively treat the disorder, the individual must be willing to give up the substance they are abusing. This can be difficult, as the substance often provides short-term relief from difficult emotions or situations. However, treatment is often essential to recover from the disorder and live a healthy life.
For families, treatment may require sacrificing time and energy to support the individual in their recovery. This can be difficult but necessary to help the individual recover from their disorder. Treatment is often only successful when people are willing to go the extra mile. This may mean making lifestyle changes, attending treatment sessions regularly, and staying in touch with treatment providers even after treatment ends. It’s also essential to be honest about what is working and what is not. Recovery from SUD is a lifelong process, and people willing to put in the hard work find that it pays off in the end.
What to Look for in a Treatment Center
Teens require individualized, evidence-based care and support from family and peers to succeed in recovery. In addition, it’s vital for teens to feel safe and supported throughout their journey to wellness. Here are some things to consider when seeking treatment for a teen with SUD:
- Find a treatment center that specializes in teens. Treatment for SUD is most successful when it’s tailored to the specific needs of the individual. This is especially true for teens, who are still in the process of physical and psychological development. The best treatment programs for teens take this into account, providing age-appropriate care that addresses the unique challenges of this population. In addition to addressing the underlying causes of substance use, these programs also provide life-skills training and academic support to help teens transition back into society.
- Make sure the treatment center uses evidence-based practices. Evidence-based programs are effective in scientific studies. These programs typically use a combination of counseling, behavioral therapy, and medication to help teens recover. In addition, treatment should be tailored to the individual needs of each teen.
- Ensure the treatment center has a robust family program. One of the most critical aspects of treatment for teen SUD is the involvement of family members. Numerous studies have shown that programs that include vital family components are more effective than those that do not. In addition, research has consistently shown that the best treatment outcomes are achieved when families actively participate in treatment. Conversely, without the involvement of families, treatment outcomes are significantly poorer.
- Choose a treatment center that offers alumni or aftercare services. The most effective treatment for teen SUD often includes support for alumni or an aftercare program. These programs help ensure that teens maintain progress during treatment and abstain from substance abuse.
- Programs that treat co-occurring disorders are more effective. Co-occurring disorders are defined as two or more disorders occurring in the same individual simultaneously. Common examples of co-occurring disorders include depression, anxiety, and conduct disorder. Many teens with SUD also suffer from one or more co-occurring mental health disorders. The best treatment programs for teen SUD treatment address the SUD and any co-occurring mental health disorders.
It Takes Willingness
For treatment for teen SUD to be successful, teens must be willing to make sacrifices for their future. This may mean giving up some of their free time or sacrificing their social life to focus on treatment. It’s also essential for teens to be honest with themselves and their treatment team about their goals and expectations for treatment.
Treatment for teen SUD is a process that requires time, effort, and commitment. Teens unwilling to make these sacrifices are unlikely to benefit from treatment. However, those willing to sacrifice for the sake of their future will find that treatment can be an invaluable tool in achieving their goals.
Deciding to seek treatment for a substance use disorder is one of the most important decisions a teen can make. Treatment for SUD is not a one size fits all process, it requires unique treatment plans that are catered to the individual. This process is not easy. Successful recovery often requires going the extra mile. This may mean having to travel for treatment, taking time off work or school, or making other sacrifices. Willingness to make these sacrifices increases teens’ chances of success exponentially higher. For more information on how to foster motivation for treatment in your teen, contact Clearfork Academy. We offer a robust program of healing for teens struggling with substance use and mental health disorders, including residential and intensive outpatient programs designed to target the unique challenges of this developmental stage. Call us today at (817) 259-2597.
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
