When I was a teenager, I couldn’t decide what career path I wanted to pursue after my high school graduation. While I wanted to earn a comfortable living, money wasn’t the only factor guiding my decision. I also desired to have a job that would allow me to help others in some way. If you’re searching for a rewarding career, consider counseling. Counselors have the opportunity to help people solve complicated problems on a daily basis. For instance, as a counselor, you might help a couple resolve marriage issues, aid a teenager battling an eating disorder, or assist an adult dealing with depression. I didn't end up becoming a counselor, but on this blog, I hope you will discover some of the most interesting aspects of being a counselor.
When you first discover that your teenaged son or daughter has become dependent on prescription pain medications, it is not always easy to know how to help or which treatment facility would be the most useful. Given the easy availability of pain pills and how easy it can be to develop an addiction to these medications, there are many teenagers and families facing the same difficult decisions about appropriate treatment options. Therefore, it is a good idea to be aware of the facts listed below when making this difficult and important decision for your minor child.
#1-A Long-term Program Often Provides Better Results
Many people in recovery from a drug addiction have problems because they are often in the same area and around the same people, making it difficult to prevent a relapse. With that in mind, it is easy to see why both the state of Minnesota and The National Institute on Drug Abuse have reportedly said that inpatient, long-term programs are helpful. Specifically, the National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests programs that run for at least 90 days have better end results.
If your teenager is able to get through the worst of the initial cravings in a controlled environment and has at least a few weeks of sobriety behind them, it might be easier to maintain a life free of illicit drugs when he or she must return to school and other activities.
#2-It's Helpful To Choose A Program That Coincides With Your Teenager's Beliefs And Personality
While it can be tempting to think that a religious rehabilitation program might be the dramatic change your teenager needs to jump-start his or her recovery, a rehabilitation program is frequently most effective for people who already have a strong appreciation of the ideas behind it. For instance, you will find that if your teenager's religious preferences lean towards non-denominational, agnosticism, or alternative beliefs, enrolling them in a program with a strong emphasis on fundamentalism may not necessarily provide you with the results you need.
However, if you choose a program that appeals to your teen's beliefs or habits, recovery from dependency on prescription medications could be easier. For example, you might look for a program that acknowledges a higher power or emphasizes personal responsibility, in lieu of choosing a program that refers to specific religious beliefs or sections of the Bible that are not consistent with your teenager's beliefs. The same could be true if your child is introverted, as attending a rehab program with no privacy and constant emotional sharing from others might not be conducive to their recovery. Regardless, choosing a facility that is right for your child is a much better choice than opting for one that your teenager is not comfortable participating in.
#3-Adequate Follow-up Care Can Be Crucial For Your Teen's Continued Recovery
In a recent survey, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported that in 2015, almost 4 million people used prescription pain medications in ways that were contrary to medical advice. In addition, it has also been estimated that at least four out of ten recovering addicts will relapse.
Therefore, you should verify that your teenager will be able to access support services after successfully completing the rehabilitation program. Support services may include individual counseling, group therapy, and the use of anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications to help your teenager cope with the side effects of re-entering their lifestyle as a sober, happy person.
In conclusion, choosing the right rehabilitation program when your teenager has developed an addiction to prescription pain medications can have a significant impact on their long-term recovery. As a result, it is a good idea to consider the aforementioned information when you are making that decision. For more information, contact a center in your area that specializes in treating chemical dependency.
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