how to get my teen into rehab

One of the most challenging decisions that parents would ever have to face is sending their adolescent to a teen drug rehabilitation center, and asking themselves how to get their teen into rehab. As a parent, once you realize your adolescent has a teen drug addiction, you need to take action. However, young people tend to be more resistant to treatment of this kind, but as guardians, you know it’s the best thing for them. Our teens’ sobriety should be our primary goal. But how can you get your son or daughter into rehab?

Is the Problem Indeed Addiction?

When deciding the best way on “how to get my teen into rehab”, the first step in providing help to your children is identifying the problem and looking out for signs your child is using drugs. Drug addiction in teenager and mental health issues’ symptoms often overlap. Many people assume that their loved ones are using drugs due to changes in mood and behavior. However, this sudden personality change may happen due to depression and anxiety due to other reasons.

Forcing your children into teen drug rehab when there are no addiction issues could be problematic. Despite your genuine concern for your teens’ health, your actions may cause significant harm to your relationship with them. You should always seek help from a professional before making this decision and consider having a teen intervention.

Relationship between Mental Health Disorders and Drug Abuse

Relationship between Mental Health Disorders and Drug Abuse

Mental health disorders may lead your teens to addiction and the other way around. These two things commonly occur together. That’s why you should continue monitoring your children when they possess any mental health disorder symptoms. Over half of the people who have serious mental health problems are affected by substance addiction. According to the American Medical Association Journal, roughly 40% of alcoholics and 50% drug addicts have at least one severe mental health issue.

Mentally ill people tend to resort to drugs to address their addiction symptoms. They rely on the euphoria or high feeling that illegal drugs are giving to relieve themselves from the discomforts of their condition. Some people use drugs for self-medication. Unfortunately, this is not a solution. It will usually lead to addiction and more complications in the brain, causing more severe damages to the nervous system. We at Key Healthcare provide the best mental health disorders treatment in Los Angeles which can prevent your child mental disorders.

Initiating Conversations with Your Teen about Drug Addiction

Initiating Conversations with Your Teen about Drug Addiction

Since talks about drugs are a sensitive topic, many parents do not have the opportunity to educate their adolescents about the hazards of drug use and the essence of rehab aftercare for teens. “Change talk” is where you should start the conversation with your teen. Whenever they express the desire for a more decent job, going back to school, or getting into rehab, you should help them connect the dots. Change Talk is an effective method for parents deciding how to get their teen into rehab.

Be more objective and straightforward. When teens talk about getting a decent job, you can respond to them like, “You want to get a decent job, but it seems like your drug use is getting in the way.” It would help if you let them know that drugs are not beneficial to them and their future. Being open-minded and calm is a must during these situations. Here are the techniques that can help you in inviting a dialogue rather than lecturing and criticizing your teen:

Speak in a Non-Judgmental Tone

Do not criticize or judge your children while talking to them. Dismissing them during conversations about their drug use might lead to arguments and even violence. Being aggressive and judgmental will only lessen the chances of their approval. Like the example dialogue earlier, the parent pointed out addiction as the reason for the teen’s unemployment without any sign of judgment.

Work With Open-Ended Questions

Open-ended questions cannot be answered by a simple yes or no. Your goal in your conversation is to let them speak and interact with you. They could raise questions or tell you about their worries and concerns regarding their rehab facility admission.

Provide Them Other Options

In deciding for your loved ones, it is better to get their opinion about their condition. You can give your teen some options. Teens might prefer to find a job or go back to school first and decide later whether they still need to get into a rehab center or not. However, both of you should have an agreement to admit them into a center when the plant is not successful.

Wait For The Right Time

A conversation about drugs should be initiated by somebody, sooner than later. Yet, it is not ideal for you to talk to your teens when they are under the influence, tired, driving, or visibly upset.

Convincing Your Teen into Attending a Drug Rehab Center

Convincing Your Teen into Attending a Drug Rehab Center

We are very fortunate how the government responds to drugs in the United States. In 2020, we spent 2.18 billion to control drugs. And we are not done yet. Even private rehabilitation centers are doing their very best to address this seemingly intractable problem among teens. Without efforts from parents to convince their teens to get into a recovery facility, the government’s efforts are a waste.

Sometimes teenagers might only be smoking weed, so look for the signs of marijuana use in teens. Smoking weed can be problematic for their future if their adolescent is smoking weed, despite weed being legal in Los Angeles and gaining traction across the country. And if you have a minute, learn about our teen marijuana addiction treatment.

Researching and Selecting the Right Rehab Facility

Getting your son or daughter into rehab is a great decision. However, you should research extensively and consider certain factors before selecting a rehab facility to ensure better treatment and recovery outcomes. Here are a few helpful considerations:

Understand Different Treatment Programs and Approaches

You should settle on a rehab facility whose treatment programs and approaches align with your teen’s needs and treatment goals. Here are a few rehab options for teens worth considering:

Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program

Adolescent intensive outpatient programs offer a safe and supportive environment for teens to develop healthy coping skills and enhance their self-awareness and respect. They are less restrictive and work best for mild to moderate substance abuse and mental health challenges.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Teen partial hospitalization programs are highly intensive. They best serve teens with moderate to fairly severe issues but do not present an imminent potential to harm themselves or others. These programs are more restrictive and intensive compared to intensive outpatient treatment.

Residential Treatment Program

Our teen residential treatment program runs for 45-60 days. It offers a safe and supportive space for teens to heal and recover. Our treatment professionals provide 24/7 care and support, using evidence-based clinical modalities to help teens overcome different challenges. This program is highly recommended for teens with serious mental health issues that can’t be managed at home or in an outpatient setting.

Regardless of the program you choose, ensure your teen receives the following treatment interventions and therapeutic approaches:

  • Evidence-based therapeutic interventions such as teen cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies and teen acceptance and commitment therapy.
  • Holistic approaches such as art, yoga, and music therapies.
  • Group therapy- Fosters a sense of community and shared experiences.
  • Family therapy- Involves family members in teen treatment for improved recovery outcomes.
  • Pharmacological interventions- Complement therapy and counseling.

Verify Accreditation and Licensing

Only facilities and programs that ensure high treatment standards and adhere to industry regulations are licensed and accredited. Therefore, as you look for the right rehab facility for your teen, check for updated licenses and accreditations. Additionally, confirm that all staff members are licensed and certified.

We are glad to inform you that The Joint Commission and the Better Business Bureau have accredited our residential treatment program for teen addiction and mental health disorders. All our treatment professionals are also licensed and certified.

Financial Considerations

Teen rehab can be expensive. Rates often differ depending on program intensity, amenities offered, and the location of the treatment center, among others. Fortunately, most facilities have diverse payment options. For example, with a good plan, you can pay up to 100% of your teen’s treatment via insurance at Key Healthcare. Besides cash and insurance payments, you can explore the following payment options:

  • Personal loans
  • The Affordable Healthcare Act
  • Medicaid and Medicare
  • State-financed medical insurance
  • Sliding scale fee
  • Payment plans

Location and Environment

The location of your teen’s rehab facility and the surrounding environment matter. For example, choosing a treatment facility close to home can ease commuting during teen intensive outpatient treatment. On the other hand, seeking treatment away from one’s everyday environment and unhealthy relationships offers better opportunities for developing new, healthy strategies.

As you consider location and environment, ensure your teen’s treatment center is located near necessary resources and facilities, such as hospitals and emergency services, in case of a crisis.

Incentives or Leverage

The most common and straightforward option in this list, incentives, is a very accessible movie to get your teens into drug rehab. You can tie any agreement to rehab admission with your child. Here are some sample statements you can tell your child to persuade them into recovery:
  • If you get admitted into a rehab facility, we will settle all your dues to your dealer.
  • As long as you stay sober, we will gradually increase your allowance for extracurricular activities. 
However, you should note that it is not advisable to use incentives when your teen has a moderate and severe addiction. Addiction is a disease that we should treat with proper medications and therapies.

Teen Intervention

Although you can get your teens into rehab by force, it is still better to let them decide on their own. Substance addiction can break even the strongest family ties, creating a dangerous situation.
An intervention involves gathering teen drug users’ loved ones to communicate their concerns and plans in a single place. The meeting should be well-planned beforehand, with each of the members preparing their emotions and thoughts. Ensure that there is already a consensus between the concerned family members so nobody will contradict the plan.

Teen Intervention can be very intense and emotional. Being calm and non-judgmental is a must! Before materializing the plan, do your research on the different teen treatment programs nearby and across the country. We are based in Los Angeles and provide Teen Outpatient Treatment for adolescents in Los Angeles struggling with severe drug addiction, mental health issues, and behavior problems.

Setting Rules and Boundaries

As a part of preventing the spread of drug abuse within the family, you should seek to create rules inside and outside the home for your family members. You should expressly state your negation towards drugs. Here are some rules you can consider:
  • Intake of drugs, alcohol or weed is prohibited inside and outside the home
  • Remind your teens that you will not make excuses for them if they are caught by school and police authorities doing drugs and alcohol.
  • Teenage shoplifting money to buy drugs and other purposes is not allowed
  • Remind your teens that you will not bail them out when they get into prison due to substance abuse

Force Admission with the Help of the Law

It is high time for parents to act for their minor children to initiate their recovery from drug addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that almost 24 million people need assistance for substance abuse, but only 11 percent received treatment and medications.

If parents, in any way possible, cannot persuade their teens to voluntarily enter into a rehab center, admitting them with the force of law is also an option. It is not uncommon for teens to refuse and deny their plans for them. And if they pose a danger inside the family, this would be a great move.

The good news for everyone in Los Angeles, California, has an involuntary commitment law. Parents will only need to petition the courts and pass specific requirements to approve the involuntary admission.
Here is the condition needed to be proven for the courts to administer the admission:
  • Danger to self: If your teen is suicidal or constantly harming themselves, they wish to die early. The patients should have planned their lives and not just a simple thought of wishing to die.
  • Danger to others: Addiction leads to violence, and if it becomes visible outside or inside the home, it will fall under this category.

Ensuring a Smooth Transition to Rehab

Your teen agreeing to seek treatment in a rehab facility is a big step worth celebrating. However, it also means they won’t be home for a while, which can be difficult. Additionally, rehab facilities prohibit some items to promote a distraction-free environment. In light of these, here are a few ways you can ensure a smooth rehab transition for your teen:

Pack Thoughtfully

Rehab facilities have strict policies regarding what teens can bring with them. Their bags are often inspected before checking in to guarantee safety and ensure no prohibited items are brought in. Therefore, besides ensuring your teen doesn’t leave any necessary items behind, confirm that they don’t sneak anything illegal. Here is a thoughtful packing list that can help:

  • Important documentation, such as a health insurance card, prescription information, and medical history.
  • Clothing items such as sleepwear, season-appropriate clothes, workout clothes, recommended closed-toed shoes, and a warm, cozy sweater or an indoor jacket.
  • Hygiene products, including toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, sunscreen, lotion, moisturizer, and basic make-up (if required).
  • Prescribed medications along with dosages (Medications should arrive in original packaging)

Emotional Preparation for Family Members

Going for weeks without seeing a family member can be challenging in a close-knit family. However, you should take solace in knowing your teen is getting the necessary help and will return stronger, better, and healthier. Here is how you can prepare yourself and your family members emotionally before teen rehab:

  • Join a local or online support group for families with teens in rehab.
  • Learn about your teen’s condition, treatment interventions, and the recovery process for informed support.
  • Have open, non-judgmental discussions about the upcoming rehab program, encouraging your family members to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
  • Seek guidance from relevant professionals for insights, effective coping strategies, and realistic goal-setting.
  • Encourage your family members (including you) to care for their emotional and mental well-being through self-care practices and hobbies.
  • Foster a strong support system comprising people who understand addiction and mental health issues and families facing similar issues.
  • Make plans with the treatment facility on how you will stay in touch with your teen or keep track of their treatment progress to alleviate feelings of anxiety. For example, at Key Healthcare, we allow families to interact with teens during treatment through family therapy and collaborative treatment planning.

The Admission Process into Teen Rehab

Congratulations on successfully convincing your teen to seek treatment! The next step is to admit them into a treatment facility, which may differ from one program or facility to another. To give you an easy time, we have made our teen rehab admission process as stress-free as possible at Key Healthcare. Here is what to expect once you contact us or schedule a consultation:

  • Our admissions team or clinical staff will perform an initial evaluation or assessment to know your teen and gain insight into their issues. This may involve gathering information about their medical history, well-being, and mental health concerns.
  • We will verify your insurance to gain more insight into your coverage. A good plan can offset up to 100% of the total treatment cost. We also allow cash payments and, in some instances, scholarships.
    We will invite you to our facility for an in-facility tour where you will meet our staff, learn about our programs, and see where we treat teenagers.
  • If you decide we are the right fit for your family, we will schedule a thorough medical and psychiatric evaluation to assess your teen’s physical health, existing medical conditions, and any co-occurring psychological disorders.

This evaluation lets us learn more about your teen’s overall health and create tailored treatment plans. We will then agree on a date for admission, giving you ample time to prepare yourself and your teen and address any queries or concerns.

  • When it’s time for admission, our treatment professionals will guide you in completing the necessary consent forms and paperwork. These documents help us learn more about your teen, including their legal guardianship and medical history, and obtain treatment consent.
  • Once we’ve reviewed the documents and confirmed that your teen has all the prerequisites, we’ll check them in and involve you and your teen in the next steps, i.e., treatment planning.