Going through drug abuse and addiction is an unfortunate situation that many teenagers experience. As a parent of a struggling teen, you might not know how to deal with their drug issues. Thankfully, many inpatient drug rehab for teens are accessible in Los Angeles that you can choose from and will help guide you. But what must a parent consider when selecting the appropriate inpatient drug rehab program?

Here are some tips so you can choose the right rehab:

Tip No. 1 — Set rehab goals

Rehab goals must be realistic and achievable. Know that sending your teen to rehab does not solve the situation right away. Recovery is a lifelong process. An inpatient drug rehab for teens is only the beginning of a long and arduous journey. You should talk to your child about how to define success when it comes to recovery. Listen to their opinions and then share your expectations. Compromise to find common ground and, from there, work on setting the rehab goals.

This part will require you to be as calm as possible. Avoid angrily lashing out at your child because of their poor decisions. Your child needs you to understand them and act as their guide. An immediate solution must be found as soon as possible.

Tip No. 2 — Research potential rehab facilities

It would be best to investigate your rehab options, keeping in mind that every facility offers specific specialties. Enroll your teen at a rehab center that will target his drug problems and other mental health issues that might be co-occurring.

The location of the center is also pertinent for your child’s recovery. Ask yourself if you would prefer to have your teen close at home or a remote location. Isolating your child from their triggers by moving away from home can be beneficial. Furthermore, look into the rehab center‘s amenities. Your child’s comfort is essential for their recovery.

For practical purposes, you’ll have to consider the cost of the treatment facility and its programs. The expenses vary depending on the facility, duration of stay, and treatments. There are several options depending on your budget. In any case, getting your teenager the necessary help is what matters — financial concerns should not be an obstacle.

Tip No. 3 — Compare various Los Angeles drug treatment rehabs

Before committing to one treatment facility, ensure that you’ve made a pros and cons list of your top choices. Find a rehab center that is licensed and accredited. The facility that your teen will stay in must be licensed to provide drug abuse or addiction treatments. The rehab center should also have a staff that is well-trained at caring for their patients. 

Exclude rehab centers that make false claims about their programs. Some of the treatments available must include behavioral therapy, counseling, and medications to treat various substance disorders. All of these must be evidence-based and science-backed.

Inquire about other possible programs that your child might need and see if you can participate in their sessions. By doing so, you can learn what your child will go through once admitted. 

Tip No. 4 — Know the treatments and therapies of the rehab center

Many treatments and therapy options are available for your teen’s drug problem. Once admitted to a rehab facility, your teen will have one-on-one sessions with a psychiatrist to discuss the reasons behind their issues and how they can deal with the aftermath. Your teen will also participate in group therapies where they can be around other teenagers who are going through a similar situation. These sessions will let your child see how others are dealing with their struggles. This can help them develop healthy habits to make daily living more manageable while inside the rehab center.

You are encouraged to participate in family therapy, which is a safe space to discuss your home life and how your teen’s drug problem has affected it. It is a good idea to mend cracked relationships to ensure a positive environment once your teen goes back home.  

Tip No. 5 — Check the effectiveness of the rehab program

Evaluate the effectiveness of the rehab by talking to other parents who have admitted their teen to that particular center. This will give you honest reviews — which a facility might not provide. Parents who have experienced a similar situation can give you pointers and advice on how to deal with your teen’s drug problem effectively. 

Furthermore, a good rehab stops drug abuse and addiction while also helping your teen return to their former, sober self. Your teen should be able to function properly at home, in school, in social settings, and in the community. The effectiveness of rehab can also be based on your teen’s behavior once exposed to challenging situations.

After an initial flurry of emotions due to realizing that your child has an alcohol or drug problem, it is time to think about solutions to prevent your teen’s problem from turning into something they can’t come back from. You should consider admitting your child to a teen drug and alcohol rehab in Los Angeles. 

Best drug and alcohol rehab facility for your teen: How to choose?

With all the options available in Los Angeles, choosing the right rehab center that will cater to your child’s needs can be a laborious endeavor. To help your child recover their sober life, consider the following when choosing the best drug and alcohol rehab for your teen:

• Location — There are conflicting opinions about the best location for a rehab center. Should you choose a facility near home, or is it better to choose a faraway place? Nearby facilities offer accessibility, convenience, familiarity, and the ability to keep up with daily responsibilities. However, a far-off rehab center can help break the connection between your teen and the negative influences or environment that triggered their abuse or addiction.

• Expenses — Inpatient rehabs are pricier than outpatient ones due to the length of stay and its inclusions. Inpatient programs have a higher success rate than outpatient programs because they provide 24/7 supervision. Emotional and medical support is provided whenever deemed necessary by the drug treatment facility’s staff. In contrast, a teen outpatient drug rehab does not cost as much because patients can go home and only go to the center for daily treatments. These patients can still attend school and participate in extracurricular activities.

• Amenities — During treatment, it is vital that your child feels comfortable. The program will only be effective if the environment can be considered a home away from home. Some rehabs provide luxurious amenities, while others offer basic amenities. Find your child the right rehab center that gives a holistic environment for healing. You can go as extravagant or as essential as you want or can afford.

• Treatments and therapies — These will vary depending on the rehab center’s services and specializations.

Individual therapy is where your teen will have a one-on-one session with professional psychologists and psychiatrists. Your teen will be able to discuss their feelings about everything — from why they used substances to their feelings regarding their ongoing treatment. Your teen will be able to open up, which can be mentally and emotionally liberating. A trained physician can prescribe breathing exercises and other techniques to aid your teen when extreme emotions emerge.

Group therapy is where your teen develops communication and socialization skills. It can assist your teen in dealing with criticism and help them embrace their self-awareness. Other teenagers in the facility can provide a kind of support that can only be given by someone experiencing similar issues.

Lastly, family therapy is something that you are encouraged to participate in. The importance of family involvement in your teen’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation process is vital. If your child is lost and on the verge of giving up, your love and support can provide them the strength to go on and finish the journey.

It isn’t easy to accept that your teen has turned to drugs, but you don’t have time to lose. You have to find the right teen outpatient drug rehab that will help your teen reclaim their sober life. Don’t worry if you find yourself overwhelmed with all the treatment facilities available in Los Angeles. Having options is good and will give your child better chances at being in an environment suited for their needs.

Shorten your list of rehab centers down by following these steps:

1. Establish your teen’s needs and rehab goals

Discuss with your child what their rehab goals are. Determine what substances and behaviors they want to recover from. Find out if they have any co-existing mental health disorders because these can also be addressed during treatment. 

Let your child visualize what success would entail for them. Goals will act as guidelines throughout the recovery process, giving your child a sense of commitment when doubts start creeping in.

2. Get in touch with a professional

You can consult with drug problem professionals to know exactly what your child’s options are. There may be aspects that you aren’t aware of, so these experts can guide you in making the right decision. They can even connect you with a rehab suitable for your child’s rehab goals. You don’t have to look for help on your own. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with trained people to ensure the best care for your teen.

3. Investigate probable treatment options for your teen

Before committing to a teen drug rehab facility, conduct extensive research on all your viable options. Your child is unique, as is their drug problem. A rehab center that understands this should be your primary choice. An individualized program specifically tailored for your teen is crucial to a successful recovery.

Visit the websites of your top rehab candidates and familiarize yourself with their amenities and therapies. Contact them with your questions. A good facility will be as committed to your child’s recovery as you are.

Evaluating a drug rehab program and its effectiveness

An effective program does not limit itself to addressing the patient’s drug abuse. It should also include valuable life skills lessons, like how to mend severed relationships, employment training, suggestions on how to restart school, and more.

You can talk to other parents to see if a particular rehab center has managed to help their child. Parents can offer you an honest opinion about a rehab center’s effectiveness since they can sympathize with what you and your child are going through. 

Choosing the best inpatient treatment program for your teen

Inpatient treatment programs provide around-the-clock care. Ensuring a successful recovery can be challenging, so the patient must have as much support as possible. Inpatient programs are best suited for drug addiction because they provide a much more immersive experience than teen outpatient drug rehab.

Inpatient treatment programs often revolve around:

• Detox — Your teen will undergo safe detoxification from the substances present in their system. Since they are doing it in a controlled environment, they have access to immediate help should any issues emerge during withdrawal.
• Individual Therapy — Your teen will be able to analyze their current situation in a one-on-one setting with a professional. These sessions can provide your child insight into the root causes of their drug addiction and how to avoid future issues.
• Group therapy — This kind of therapy is an excellent way for your teen to mingle with other patients going through a similar situation. This will allow your teen to understand different perspectives and help them overcome their obstacles.
• Family therapy — Joining your teen in therapy can be an effective way of understanding the situation. Showing your support in your teen’s recovery can have a positive effect on their progress. Your bonds can also be mended in these sessions. Rebuilding a relationship with your teen can provide them with the additional strength they need to recover. 

Choosing a drug rehabilitation program is more complex than it seems. Many factors are worth considering when it comes to inpatient or outpatient programs. What works for one child will not necessarily work for another, but we hope that this guide has given you some tips on how to start your search. When in doubt, ask for guidance and do plenty of research to give your teen the best chance at recovery.