Each September, during National Recovery Month, we celebrate those in recovery from a substance use disorder and the many professionals, families and organizations that support them.
We know that when adolescents or teens are successful in their recovery, statistics show, they tend to maintain their sobriety into adulthood and usually avoid the devastating physical, mental, social and economic effects of long-term, chronic addiction.
In a previous article, we discussed the importance of understanding how attachment in addition to other mental health, physical and emotional problems can impact addiction and recovery. While approaches may differ depending on other issues an individual may be struggling with, experts agree, that family support combined with early intervention and access to quality, evidence-based treatment, as well as robust aftercare, are a young person’s best chance for long-term recovery.
Keys to Recovery
According to “Principles of Adolescent Substance Use Disorder Treatment: A Research-Based Guide,” produced by the National Institute of Health, cases where treatment is successful and recovery is sustained tend to have certain elements in common. Some of these include:
- Early evaluation and intervention. It’s important to stay vigilant and take action, even if you aren’t sure that your child has a problem.
- Access to comprehensive services. Most people with a substance use disorder are also struggling with an underlying mental health condition or coping with some kind of trauma. It’s almost impossible to successfully treat one without treating the other.
- Family involvement. As the parent, you have much greater influence than you think over what your child does. Your support and the example you set during treatment and recovery can have a significant impact.
- Buy-in. Help your child recognize the value of getting treatment and encourage them to fully engage with the process.
- Qualified and experienced treatment providers. Ask your physician for referrals and check out NIH’s Treatment Referral Resources to get started.
- Tailored treatment that addresses the unique needs of your adolescent. Consider your child’s stage of development and their specific social and emotional, physical and mental health issues.
- The treatment program is long enough and includes quality, continued aftercare.
- After treatment, make sure that they come home to a community that is supportive of recovery. Encourage peer groups and activities that do not involve drugs or alcohol.
The journey to recovery is long and hard. But sustained sobriety is achievable for anyone who is committed to making change – with the appropriate support.
