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Have you already tried talking to your teenager about their substance abuse disorder? Were you met with distance, resistance, or outright defiance? Is your teen reluctant to identify their drug or alcohol use as an actual problem? We’re here to help.
How to Get Your Teen to Consider Substance Abuse Treatment
As a parent, coming to terms with your child’s substance abuse can be scary. Seeking treatment is the first step to caring for their wellbeing—however, it’s not always well-received by the teenager. For anyone, doing something about their substance abuse starts by admitting they have a problem, but this can be overwhelming and often lead to resistance and backlash. Here are a few steps you can take to encourage your teen to engage in treatment.
Listen more, talk less
When you’re worried about the health and wellness of your teen, your first instinct might be to talk them into it. Take a step back first and listen. Ask questions about why your teen is engaging in such behavior. Find out how it makes them feel and what motivates them to use drugs or alcohol so frequently.
Often, in teens and young adults, substance abuse can be used as a remedy for unaddressed mental health disorders, like depression or social anxiety. When you listen, you’ll learn more about your child’s condition and will be better equipped to handle their treatment moving forward.
If you listen, it’s also more likely your child will feel connected to you and take your recommendations later on.
Don’t back down
Teens who are actively addicted to drugs or have an alcohol dependency have the potential to be manipulative—but, as the parent, you can’t back down. Hold firm boundaries, even if you find it difficult or it seems to cause resentment. While difficult, setting boundaries is a crucial step in your child’s recovery and will, over time, help you get your teen to the resources they need.
Stay positive
It’s easy to feel discouraged when your teen is resistant to treatment. You might think resorting to aggressive behavior or listing the negative things about drugs to your teen will do the trick. Often times, confrontation has the opposite effect. Instead of being confrontational, consider highlighting your teen’s strengths.
Whatever you do, keep the message your sending your teen positive. Explain why, in positive terms, you want the best for them and how treatment can help.
Choose Fire Mountain: Denver’s Top Substance Abuse Treatment Center for Teens
Fire Mountain is a residential treatment center for troubled teens ages 12 to 17. We are well known as the best Denver substance abuse treatment center for teens, helping them overcome addiction and find their path to joy, fulfillment, and maturity.
Ready to enroll your child or teen in a Denver substance abuse treatment center for teens? We are located near Estes Park, Colorado. However, we admit teens from anywhere in the U.S.
To learn more about insurance coverings, financing options, and how to register, contact us online today or give our team a call at (303) 443-3343. On the call, you will speak with an admissions counselor and complete a preliminary assessment to determine whether your teen is a good fit for the program.
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