Tag Archive: teen graduates

  1. Why Teen Support Groups Are Important

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    Rehab isn’t the end of the recovery journey; it’s just the beginning. Outside the secure, supervised clinic, recovering teens must continue their sobriety efforts with the help of family, friends, and aftercare services – the most popular of which are teen support groups.

    The journey Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy states that adolescents in recovery do their best when they associate exclusively with other sober-minded peers. That’s where teen support groups come into play. These meetings offer strength, support, and hope for recovering teens who are likely used to a completely different environment.

    Fellowships

    Peer pressure is one of the biggest drivers of drug abuse. However, peer pressure can also be used positively, as a way of helping young people stay sober. Support groups make use of this paradigm by offering fellowship: a group of people who share similar goals to your own make use of this paradigm by offering fellowship: a group of people who share similar goals to your own. At group meetings, members receive praise, guidance, and criticism as needed—in a warm, caring manner, always. They also get the opportunity to learn coping skills and other important ideals through group service projects and leadership exercises, like organization groups or, eventually, becoming sponsors themselves.

    Many addicts believe they’re all alone, and that they have to fight alone, or else they’ll never really conquer their problem. In reality, most addicts who have stayed sober for the long term had to learn to utilize outside help. Self-isolation tends to snowball, so it’s important to break the cycle as quickly and effectively as possible.

    Types of Support Groups

     

    There are many types of support groups available. Most rehab centers include them for both treatment and aftercare purposes. Some are family-oriented, others reserved for the teen. In these therapy-centered groups, teenagers are encouraged to discuss issues that affect their age group most, such as:

    • Peer pressure
    • Academic performance
    • Parental expectations
    • Social triggers
    • Sexuality and dating
    • Facing the pressures of adulthood

    Locating a Support Group

     

    Teen support groups like AA and NA can be found all over the world. Most are completely free and extremely inviting. They hold meetings in public buildings, churches, recreation centers, and so on. Online meetings and telephone support are also widely-available for those who cannot attend traditional meetings regularly. The easiest way to get involved with a support group is to ask your teen’s rehab clinic for a referral. This should be handled before your teen graduates from rehab, just to make sure a plan is in place.

    To get your child involved in a support group, give us a call at 949-637-5499

  2. How Can I Help My Teen Stay Sober?

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    By the time a teen graduates from treatment, they’ve acquired a whole new set of habits–good habits, like keeping busy, eating and sleeping properly, and saying No even when they want to do something risky.

    Still, all teens fresh out of rehab are prone to relapse, no matter how much they shined in rehab. Up to 71 percent of recovering teens end up relaxing within six months of release, says the DEA.

    Why? They’re still testing their new attitudes and behaviors. The outside world is like a minefield, full of temptations. So is the brain. Recovering teens need require an extra-wide support network to stay in check. It should consist of multiple angles: therapists, health care providers, self-help groups, sober-minded peers, and — if at all possible — family.

    After a teenager emerges from rehab, it’s more important than ever to give them attention and provide emotional and moral support. They’re not cured; they’re just ready to continue healing on their own.
    Aftercare Services for Teens

    The best time to find a good aftercare program for your teenager is before he or she enters rehab. That way, you have some time to weigh your options and learn all about them.

    When you’re searching for an addiction treatment program, ask about the support services that the facility provides once treatment is over. Those services should include:

    Ongoing contact with counselors or therapists who were involved in the teen’s treatment
    Referrals to therapists, psychiatrists or other specialists in the community who can manage medications and provide continuing therapy
    Information about 12-step programs and other self-help groups for teens who are dedicated to staying sober
    Access to transitional housing opportunities for teens who need more supervision and structure after rehab
    Participation in alumni organizations for teenagers who have successfully completed rehab

    Sober living homes

    Some teens can’t handle the transition into the real world straight out of treatment, which is why there are state-funded environments specifically for helping people get there. Sober homes are especially important for high-risk teens with a history of relapse. The home offers a safe place to try out new coping skills. Although these residences are less structured than rehab facilities, there are still many rules to follow, including nightly curfews, daily chores, mandatory attendance at house meetings, and, of course strict restrictions against alcohol or drug use.
    Support for Parents and Families

    If the people closest to the addict are struggling themselves, it’s especially hard for the addict to recover. Parents, siblings and other family members struggling alongside the addict should join in on counseling sessions for families. These sessions cover a variety of topics:

    The nature and causes of addiction
    How addiction affects the family
    Creating a supportive home environment
    Keeping the lines of communication open
    Setting healthy boundaries

    Many of the substance abuse triggers that your teen will encounter can be found at home. Conflicts with parents, sibling rivalry, emotional distance, or verbal abuse can drive adolescents back to drugs or alcohol. Experienced family therapists can guide you through the difficult days after rehab.

    From admission through aftercare, Sustain offers you and your family the support you require to help your teen stay sober. Call us today to learn more about our intensive rehab programs for adolescents: 949-637-5499

I first met Sayeh in November of 2013 just after my 15 year old daughter had been admitted to a residential treatment program. As part of the program I was required to attend 2-3 AlAnon meetings a week. Sayeh attended the same AlAnon meetings as well as Alumni events as I. It soon became apparent to me that Sayeh had a heart for recovery, program, and God. When I was encouraged to get a sponsor I didn’t hesitate. Dependable, respectful, kind and generous of spirit, she exudes an inner peace that I hope to achieve with her loving guidance, as I work my own program. She is patient, & full of wisdom that she is always happy to share with her sponsees and fellow parents. I am so grateful our journeys brought us together.

Megan

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Certified by DHCS Department of Health Care Services
Certification Numbers & Expiration Dates:
300640AP 2/29/24
3060040BP 11/30/23
399640CP 1/31/2023
DHCS Website

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(949) 407-9052
Sustain Recovery
3943 Irvine Blvd #5
Irvine, CA 92602

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