A rehabilitation center is a facility that provides therapy and treatments designed to help people recover from various illnesses, physical or otherwise, usually caused by substance addiction. They are one of the best ways for teens to overcome their addiction. Most rehab programs include inpatient, intensive outpatient, and outpatient care. It is essential to choose the most appropriate one for your child.
Looking for an adolescent rehab that accepts rehab insurance los angeles cover?
A 30-day program at a reputable facility might cost up to $20,000. The average cost for people requiring 60- or 90-day programs could range from $12,000 to $60,000. Outpatient treatments are less expensive than inpatient treatments for mild to moderate addictions. For a three-month program, many spend $5,000. Thousands of people in the United States have overcome their addictions to drugs and alcohol thanks to rehab centers.
Although the United States is currently experiencing a statewide opioid crisis, drug rehab success rates are high. Rehab centers employ various evidence-based treatments that can be tailored to help all individuals recover from addiction safely. If you know a teen suffering from opiate addiction, research our adolescent opiate addiction treatment program in Los Angeles.
Some people are aware that they require assistance but are hesitant to accept it, and others go so far as to deny that they have a problem. Not only does this affect their well-being, but it also affects their loved ones. It is important to convince someone, especially a teen, to go to rehab so they can get the treatment they need.
Understanding Addiction
You should better your understanding of addiction and explore its physical and mental health impacts to increase your chances of convincing your teen to seek rehab services.
What is Addiction?
Addiction is a strong psychological or physical urge to use or do something. It compels teens to abuse substances or repeatedly engage in destructive behaviors. Teens struggling with addiction usually experience intense cravings, an inability to stop, compulsions, and lifestyle dysfunction.
Types of Addiction
Addictions can either be behavioral or chemical. Behavioral addictions manifest as compulsive, persistent behaviors, which are repeatedly carried out despite having no real benefits. On the other hand, chemical addictions mostly encompass substance abuse.
Before exploring the two types of addiction, note that addiction is a chronic illness that requires professional support and intervention. Let’s discuss behavioral and chemical addictions.
Behavioral Addiction
Behavioral addictions occur when patterns of behavior become problematic over time. Look out for the following signs to know if someone is struggling with this type of addiction:
- Inability to avoid a certain behavior despite trying to.
- Spending a significant amount of time engaging in the behavior
- Frequent urges to engage in the behavior despite negative effects on daily life, relationships, and responsibilities.
- Using the behavior as a distraction from unwanted feelings or emotions
- Lying about the time spent engaging in the behavior or trying to conceal it.
- Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, depression, restlessness, and anxiety when trying to quit the behavior.
Common types of behavioral addictions include social media, food, exercise, shopping, sex, and TV addictions.
Chemical Addiction
Anyone who compulsively uses drugs, alcohol, and illicit substances despite significant distress can be said to have a chemical addiction. This type of addiction usually manifests in the following ways:
- Intense cravings that affect one’s ability to think of other things
- Discomfort or unease if the substance is not readily accessible.
- Withdrawal symptoms on trying to quit
- Difficulties attending to daily responsibilities and relationships
- Substance use-related friendship or relationship difficulties
- Using more of the substance to achieve the same high effects
- Spending less time on activities previously enjoyed.
Common drugs abused by teens that can cause a chemical addiction include nicotine, opioids, alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, amphetamines, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
Impacts of Addiction on Physical and Mental Health
Addiction has both physical and mental health consequences. It’s not uncommon for people addicted to substances to develop one or more health issues, such as depression, cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Let’s explore the physical and mental health impacts of addiction.
Physical Impacts
Overindulgence in drugs and substances can affect every organ in the body. Common general and substance-specific physical impacts of addiction include a weakened immune system, nausea, abdominal pain, elevated risk of liver damage or failure, lung disease, and seizures.
Mental Health Impacts
Besides causing significant mental health deterioration, addiction can lead to attention, memory, and decision-making deficits, making it difficult to function normally. It can also cause or exacerbate mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders. Additionally, some addictive substances cause paranoia, hallucinations, impulsiveness, loss of self-control, and impaired judgment.
Signs Someone Needs Rehab
You should look for certain behavioral changes and physical symptoms to determine whether your teen needs rehab. Let’s discuss a few.
Behavioral Changes
Behavioral changes that signify the need for rehab include the following:
- Erratic behavior
- Increased aggression
- Frequent troubles with the law
- Excessive financial strain from funding the addictive habit
- Decline in self-care and personal hygiene
- Strained relationships
- Loss of interest in personal appearance
- Significant changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- Constant engagement in risky behaviors.
Rehabilitation is particularly important if the above behaviors accompany increased tolerance, loss of control, neglect of responsibilities, continued engagement despite consequences, increased isolation, disinterest in previously enjoyed activities, and decline in work or academic performance.
Physical Symptoms
You should talk your teen into seeking mental health support and care if you notice the following physical manifestations:
- Sweating, tremors, nausea, physical discomfort, and other withdrawal symptoms when sober
- Unexplained substance or behavioral-related weight gain or weight loss.
- Significant decline in coordination and motor skills
- Involuntary tremors or shakes in different body parts, especially the hands
- Chronic fatigue
- Unexplained skin changes or issues, e.g., lesions, sores, and complexion changes.
- Respiratory issues such as chronic cough and breathing difficulties.
8 Ways On How Parents Can Persuade Teen To Go To Rehab
Teenagers are reluctant to accept treatment because they believe that they can deal with their problems alone. As a parent, however, it is your number one priority to help them get better. Encouraging them to seek help is crucial, so here are some tips for doing just that:
1. Understand the basic phenomena of teen behavior and addiction
It’s hard to talk about something you’re unaware of. First, learn about teen addiction and how long does it take to fully detox from alcohol or drug. After doing your research, you will know what treatment options are available for your teen. Understanding your child’s behavior allows you to have a peaceful and productive conversation with them. Nowadays, addiction is sometimes referred to as a “family disease” since it affects the entire household. Hence, it is essential to address your teen’s addiction to prevent family issues.
2. Decide on who should talk to them and persuade them to go to rehab
One of the best ways to convince your teen to go to rehab is to make sure that they’re talking to someone they’re close with. Whether it’s the father, mother, brother, sister, grandparents, or teacher, talking to someone they’re close with will make them feel more comfortable. However, if they are not close with anyone, it might be best for an authority figure in the family to step in. Just make sure to show empathy towards their situation, regardless of how severe their addiction might be. If no one in the family feels capable of doing so, reach out to a professional to avoid further complications.
3. Take a positive approach towards seeking treatment for your teen addiction
When it comes to guiding someone away from the perils of substance misuse, knowledge is essential. To bridge the gap between addiction and recovery, it is vital to identify your teen’s needs. A positive approach is always a must. You can try saying something like:
- Is something bothering you? We are here to listen.
- If there’s anything you need, feel free to tell us.
- You are not alone, and we’re here to help.
Besides that, talk about the possible treatment and programs they can get. Avoid being commanding. Instead, make it clear that going to rehab is their decision to make, and you’re just explaining how it works.
4. Try writing a drug intervention letter instead of talking directly to your teen
If you find it hard to talk to your teen, you can try writing a drug intervention letter. A Teen Intervention letter urges a loved one to accept help so that they can get sober again. This activity is often done in rehab centers. The Key Healthcare parent support coaching program uses this method, and more than 300 people so far have benefited from it.
5. Seek assistance from experts to approach teen addicts with NVC (non-violent communication)
When talking with your teen, try to avoid causing any friction. Verbal violence is known to cause emotional, social, and cognitive issues. It might be best to ask for assistance from experts to approach a teenager using non-violent communication methods. This type of communication disregards judgments in favor of creating a heartfelt connection.
6. Choose an appropriate time to approach an addict to go to rehab
Teen Intervention is one of the key factors to convince someone to go to rehab. Your teen’s addiction may be tied to strong emotions. An intervention can produce tension, rage, and resentment, so choosing an appropriate time to broach the topic is essential. Avoid situations where your teen is not in the mood, like taking exams, having friends over, or being in a hurry. When the right time comes, try to take them for a walk or an outdoor picnic. It might make them feel less suffocated.
7. Be patient — it might take them some time to come around
You have to be patient and understand that it may take time for them to come around. Try not to expect success on the first talk. It takes time for things to settle down and get back under control, especially regarding addiction and recovery. The process takes longer and should not be rushed.
8. Encourage them to visit a rehab center once
A visit to your chosen rehab center could convince your teen to go to therapy. This will let them get a better idea of what they can expect. You will also get to see the environment they will stay in as they go through the treatment plans.
What NOT to do when trying to convince someone to go to rehab
Teens tend to get emotional and easily overwhelmed, especially when they are going through a rough patch. It is essential to know what you should avoid doing and saying if you want to convince them to go to rehab.
- Comparison Comparing them with others is highly inadvisable. It only increases their anxiety and stress levels.
- Showing aggressive behavior Being violent towards a teen who is under the influence of substances will do you no good.
- Lecturing them on moral values Your teen needs your support and guidance, not rants and lectures about things that they likely already know about.
- Negative thoughts Avoid entertaining negative thoughts. Have hope in your teen. They can conquer their struggles with proper assistance.
- Being overly emotional and showing prejudice While you might be concerned, you must not let your emotions take over. Try thinking about how you can help your teen rather than judging them.
- Treating them like a criminal Not all addicts are criminals. A teenager might have made the mistake of using unhealthy substances, but that should not condemn them. Your child is already suffering from what they did, and treating them like a criminal will only make them feel worse.
Approaching the Conversation
Teens may find it challenging to admit they need help for substance use or behavioral issues, let alone seeking it. To minimize the chances of hostility, you need a refined approach to get them thinking of rehabilitation. Here are a few things to consider for a great conversation:
Choose the Right Time and Place
Sensitive conversations should be held at the right time and place. Choose a calm and private setting with minimal distractions for the best results. Additionally, initiate the conversation when your teenager is relaxed and in a good mood (avoid stressful moments or high emotions). You can also prepare them in advance so they set aside time for the conversation instead of ambushing them.
Express Concern and Care
Be compassionate when discussing mental-health-related issues. Approach the conversation with empathy and, instead of judgment, express concern. Do not own the conversation, but allow your teenager to share their perspectives while listening actively.
You can also hire an intervention specialist to help you develop an effective plan for approaching your teen.
Providing Information on Rehab Options
Convincing a teen to go to rehab requires, among other things, informing them about the different available rehab options and their advantages. Learn more about the different options beforehand for a smooth, productive conversation. Let’s discuss a few recommended teen rehabilitation programs.
Exploring Treatment Programs
There are various treatment programs for teen chemical and behavioral addiction, each catering to different conditions and severities. To help teens enjoy a happy, healthy, and addiction-free life, Key Healthcare offers the following:
Residential Treatment
Teen residential treatment is a long-term mental health care program for severe substance abuse and behavioral issues. It occurs in specialized settings and facilities known as residential treatment centers, which accord teens 24/7 care and support, helping them reach their full potential and live healthy, productive lives. This inpatient program is highly recommended for severe cases that can’t be managed at home or in outpatient settings.
Intensive Outpatient Program
The intensive outpatient program (IOP) offers a safe and supportive environment for teens to develop healthy coping skills, respect, and self-awareness for a strong recovery foundation and better stress management. It is less restrictive compared to other programs, as teens seek treatment while living at home and participating in other activities. This program mostly runs for 4-12 weeks, depending on the severity of the condition.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Teen PHP is more restrictive than the intensive outpatient program but less intensive than residential treatment. It allows participants to develop and practice the necessary skills to navigate life challenges in a controlled setting. Although teens do not stay within the facility like in residential treatment, support is provided by a multidisciplinary team. It teaches teens why a sober life is okay and how to deal with temptations, helping them manage their cravings and overcome their addictions.
Highlighting Success Stories
Remember to mention a few relevant success stories or recovery testimonials to assure your teen they can benefit from the above programs. Avoid made-up stories or narratives.
Addressing Common Concerns
Talking your teen into rehab is an excellent decision. However, addressing common concerns such as finances and stigma is equally important. Let’s find out more.
Financial and Insurance Considerations
Teen mental health treatment, especially for severe cases, can be costly, making it important to engage in extensive financial planning as you talk your teen into treatment. Luckily, most treatment centers offer diverse payment options, allowing you to pay for your teen’s treatment easily. To save you from huge out-of-pocket payments, Key Healthcare allows insurance payments. Verify your insurance here to learn more about your coverage.
Besides the program cost, remember to account for other relevant costs, such as transportation and pre-treatment tests, during financial planning. Feel free to contact us for assistance.
Overcoming Stigma
One of the main reasons teens shy away from admitting they need help or seeking treatment is the stigma associated with mental health issues and addiction. Here are a few ways to help your teen overcome stigma and agree to seek help:
- Dispel myths and misconceptions about addiction by providing factual information.
- Remind them that seeking help signifies strength and is more common than they think.
- Acknowledge their feelings and concerns without judgment.
- Share success stories of people who have benefitted from mental health treatment.
- Highlight the potential benefits of seeking mental health treatment.
- Emphasize that therapy is a personal growth and self-discovery tool, not just a crisis intervention.
- Remind them that mental health professionals maintain high levels of confidentiality.
- Use positive language during the conversation. Avoid words or terms that paint therapy or mental health in a bad light.
Creating a Support System
Involving the right people can help increase your chances of convincing a teen to seek rehab services for their substance abuse or behavioral challenges. Discuss the potential benefits of involving family, friends, or professionals.
Involving Family and Friends
More often than not, teens’ primary support networks comprise family and friends. Involving them when talking a teen into rehab shows love, concern, and understanding and helps create strong help-seeking and recovery foundations. People are usually more open to seeking help when their friends and family members show concern about their well-being.
Finding Professional Guidance
Professional intervention is highly recommended if you need help convincing your teenager to go to rehab without triggering them. Addiction counselors and experts are trained to breach such sensitive subjects with different individuals. For example, our individual therapy program creates a trusting environment where adolescents can freely lower their guard and talk about their problems and challenges. You can also explore local resources and guidelines.
Preparing for Rehab
You should start making preparations once your teen agrees to seek help. This often includes packing the necessary items and preparing emotionally. Here is an in-depth exploration:
Packing Essentials
Rehab essentials can differ from one center or program to the other. Here is a list of some of the items needed in teen residential treatment programs:
- Documentation includes medical history, necessary identification, health insurance card, and prescription information.
- Hygiene products include mouthwash, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, hair conditioner, sunscreen, and moisturizers.
- Necessary clothing, such as undergarments, sleep-wear, appropriate shoes, workout clothes, and warm, cozy clothes
- A list of names, addresses, and contacts of loved ones
- List of currently prescribed medication along with dosages
- A notebook or journal
- A few personal items, such as pictures of loved ones
Emotional Preparation
Besides packing essential items, teens should prepare emotionally before rehab. This is particularly important for inpatient programs such as teen residential treatment that separate loved ones from their family and friends. Here is how to foster teen mental readiness before rehab:
- Alleviate uncertainty by educating them about the rehab process.
- Encourage them to openly discuss their concerns, expectations, and fears and clarify myths and misconceptions.
- Remind them that seeking help is a positive step toward improvement
- Reassure them of your love and support. Let them know you are proud of them and will participate in their treatment process.
Do not put all your focus on your teen till you forget to look out for yourself. Use the following strategies to ready yourself mentally before admitting your teenager to a rehab facility:
- Educate yourself about addiction and obtain all the necessary information about the treatment process.
- Adopt self-care practices such as journaling to improve your mental and emotional well-being.
- Stay positive by focusing on the bright side of things. Think about the positive, long-lasting changes your teen will enjoy post-treatment.
- Do not be consumed by feelings of guilt and shame. Instead, recognize and address them swiftly, remembering you are not to blame.
- Consider support groups or therapy to obtain insights and learn coping mechanisms.
Life After Rehab
Congratulations! You managed to talk your teen into rehab. They have finally completed treatment, and it’s time to come home. For lasting outcomes and sustained recovery, teenagers need post-rehab support and some help reintegrating into daily life. Here is what you can do:
Post-Rehab Support
For enhanced post-rehab support, focus on creating a comprehensive aftercare plan that addresses your teen’s physical, emotional, and social needs, which requires collaborating with your teen and treatment professionals. Work with relevant parties to create a solid aftercare plan incorporating ongoing therapy, support groups, and regular mental health check-ins.
You should also contact your teen’s academic institution and ask that they provide additional academic support and a structured routine. Additionally, consider engaging in family therapy to address post-treatment familial issues for a good recovery environment.
Reintegrating into Daily Life
Your teenager will need some help reintegrating into daily life after treatment. Here is how you can make transitioning home easier for them:
- Create a stable, positive, and supportive home environment, eliminating triggers or temptations that may lead to a relapse.
- Involve them in family activities and gradually increase responsibilities to foster independence.
- Allow teenagers to talk about their feelings and thoughts and listen actively without judgment.
- Establish clear rules and expectations and remember to highlight consequences.
- Please encourage them to connect with close friends and families to foster a positive support network.
- Help your teen achieve a balanced lifestyle, i.e., a life incorporating proper nutrition, exercise, and adequate sleep.
- Celebrate their achievements and milestones.
Conclusion
Unless you fear they will run away, or the situation is out of their control, have a chat with your teen before forcing them into rehab or exploring involuntary ways of enrollment. Try to persuade them and tell them about the advantages of seeking expert help. To effectively convince someone to go to rehab, it is best to create trust, empathy, and support.
If your child is under 18, you can make them go to rehab against their will. However, if your child doesn’t want to get clean, the treatment may be ineffective, leading to more serious difficulties down the road. So, if you feel like you have exhausted all the options, you can try going to the parent coach facility at Key Healthcare.
Our evidence-based teen drug treatment program in Los Angeles will help your child develop positive habits, and think differently. Our clinical staff will identify their specific set of challenges, and find how to help them.
