Statistics show that underage alcohol use is a significant problem among teens in the United States, with alcohol being the most commonly used substance. [1] For teens with this type of substance abuse problem, treatment to recover from it is vital. But the process of teen alcohol recovery isn’t something that teens go through alone. Parents are also on the journey as they learn how to support their teens best and navigate these unfamiliar waters.
Ember Recovery is committed to helping teens on this path and educating parents on how they can help their teens get through this difficult time. Our team has compiled several tips to guide parents on how to provide support to their teens best going through alcohol addiction treatment.
How to Help Your Teen Going Through Alcohol Recovery
If your teen is undergoing treatment for an alcohol addiction, they’re not alone. A 2022 study found that 7% of young people ages 12-17 surveyed who had an alcohol use disorder received alcohol treatment. [2] While the treatment process can be heavy on teens, it can also take its toll on parents.
It can be difficult for parents to see their teens go through the process, especially if their teen struggles to cope. As a parent, there are several actions you can take to provide the support your teen needs during this time.
Actively Listen
Teens know when you are genuinely listening to them when they speak. As your teen goes through rehab, be the listening ear they need. Knowing they have someone they can talk to can be reassuring for them.
Don’t Be Judgmental
While it can be difficult, avoid being judgmental as your teen goes through the recovery process. Your teen may already feel ashamed for their actions and don’t need you to judge them. If they think you are judging their past actions, they may be less likely to open up to you and share their thoughts as they recover. They need someone in their corner, and you can be that person.
Be Optimistic
It can be easy for teens to lose self-confidence and think negatively as they go through addiction treatment. As a parent, you can be the optimistic and encouraging force they need. Having someone who can look at the brightest points of a situation can genuinely make a difference for a teen in alcohol recovery.
Gain Knowledge
Parents with teens in alcohol recovery need guidance just as much as their children. Many parents don’t know how to navigate through the process. Seeking help from professional therapists and counselors can give you a blueprint of what to expect and how to engage in certain situations. Just as your child asked for help, you can also reach out for the guidance you need to be the best parent you can in this situation.
Be Patient and Understanding During Teen Alcohol Recovery
The treatment for an alcohol addiction and recovery process doesn’t happen overnight. As a parent, you need to be understanding of this and exercise patience. There will be ups and downs throughout the process. So, understanding this fact and not getting agitated will best help your teen.
Encourage Healthy Habits
Encouraging healthy habits can help in your teen’s recovery. Providing healthy meals and encouraging them to exercise and get enough sleep will all help with their recovery from alcohol and substance abuse. Teens need a strong body to fight off the temptations that can arise during recovery. Ensuring they are eating well, exercising, and resting enough will all help in the process.
Introduce New Activities
Many teens start experimenting with alcohol because of boredom. Introduce your teen to new activities to keep them busy and to prevent them from turning to alcohol as a diversion. This is important during recovery because as your teen engages in new activities, they can meet new people not connected to their old habits. This can open new doors and introduce them to people with the same interests.
Practice Self-Care
As a parent of a teen in alcohol recovery, you are also feeling a lot of stress and run the risk of burning out. It’s important to practice self-care to prevent this from happening. When stressed, your immune system can become compromised, making you more prone to illness. You must keep your strength up and remain healthy for yourself and your teen.
Other things you can do to support your teen as they go through alcohol recovery include:
- Providing a stable home environment
- Attending family therapy sessions if recommended
- Encourage joining a support group
Despite all of the efforts that you may make as a parent, there is always a chance your teen can relapse during recovery. If this happens, you want to lend even more support as they may feel like a failure of the process. Encourage them and instill in them that while these things happen, they can overcome this bump in the road. By not yelling and judging them, you can help your teen ultimately recover from their alcohol addiction.
Teen Alcohol Recovery & Treatment at Ember Recovery
If you are seeking a teen rehab center to help your child with an alcohol addiction, Ember Recovery is here to help. Our experienced team will tailor a program to suit your teen best as they overcome their substance abuse disorder. The programs we have in place and the therapies we instill have successfully helped thousands of teens with an alcohol addiction.
Some of the therapies we use at Ember Recovery include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
A combination of these therapies is often used to achieve the best results. Our team will recommend a course of treatment for your teen so that they have the best chance at recovery.
Call us today or contact us online to learn how Ember Recovery can help your teen.
Sources:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/underage-drinking.htm [2] https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-treatment-united-states
Andrea Dickerson is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Substance Use Counselor who has worked in behavioral health since 1997. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing the Ember residential treatment programs and YSS outpatient counseling clinics throughout Central and North Central Iowa. She became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer in 2006 and provides MI trainings throughout Iowa.
Andrea specializes in working with adolescents and their families and enjoys seeing the family relationships grow through therapy. Andrea is also a CARF International Surveyor, going around North America ensuring behavioral health organizations are meeting required standards.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, as well as being an active member of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), a global organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. She has been a member of the SI of Des Moines club since 2012 and has been actively involved at the regional level, currently serving as Co-Governor of the Peaks to Plains Region.
Through her involvement in SIA, Andrea has been actively involved in the Dream Programs, coordinating annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls projects, which give girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.