If you are trying to figure out whether to send your child to rehab, you’re likely struggling with this huge, important, and potentially life-altering decision. You’re wondering if it’s the right action to take and if your child really needs this drastic or intense level of help. You’re not alone, and you can take comfort in the fact that many parents across the country are experiencing exactly what you are right now and will soon make the important choice to send their teen to rehab.
Parents often say that sending their child to rehab was the hardest thing they’ve ever had to do, but it was also the best choice they ever made for their child.
Addiction is Ruining Your Child’s Life and Future
It’s simple, really. You as their parent know in your mind that your child is suffering. They’ve completely given up on school, work, and family responsibilities, they’re unable to handle society’s stressors without their addiction, and the consequences and damages of their bad choices are hurting them and becoming increasingly more dangerous. But still, you’re worrying over whether or not they can turn it around and be safe without you sending them to rehab. It’s taken you weeks to assess this dangerous situation and come to the sad realization that your child has turned over control of their life to an addiction, but the courageous and hopeful point, where you are ready to take action and fight for their life by doing something about their addiction and the related problems, has arrived.
You have questions – and you should – because the future is unknown. Will rehab work for my child? How will my teen react toward me for making them go to treatment? Will my child be happy after rehab? Am I doing the right thing?
Let me assure you, you are doing the right thing. If your child is using drugs or alcohol and you have unsuccessfully tried to get them to stop, your child needs help. It is time for you as the parent to take a step back, invite professional expertise in to assess the situation and guide you to the best options, and then let the treatment team work with your teen and coach you to help your child get their life back on track.
Addiction Changes Brain Chemistry
Many are scared, embarrassed, or feel guilty when their child is addicted. Hiding it or thinking you can manage it in secret is a natural response. Don’t think you can do this on your own. Families that try to keep addiction a secret only prolong their distress until the addiction ruins relationships and even takes lives. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. A professional who has experience working with adolescent addicts is the best person to have on your team, and can make all the difference in your child’s life.
Drug and alcohol use over time physically changes a person’s brain. It starts as a poor coping method to deal with hurt, anger, loss, distress, pressure, or psychological struggles. Over time, addiction short-circuits the brain to need more of the substance, as shown through cravings and the inability to function without it. Drugs and alcohol create a shortcut to the brain’s reward system by flooding it with the neurotransmitter dopamine. In essence, a brain that is dependent on drugs or alcohol relies on substances to produce feelings of pleasure, instead of creating its own.
This type of change is what causes your addict adolescent to be more moody than normal, make poor decisions, and give up everything for their substance. It is also what is keeping you or your child from putting an end to this spirit-mind-body struggle. Your child is being controlled by their addiction, and needs treatment and rehab to empower them to regain control of their decisions and life.
Proper Treatment Helps Restore Balance
In order to help your child, they need to undergo a real and lasting transformation. This occurs over time through therapy that changes the way they think and helps them modify their behaviors and decisions. During rehab, your child’s mind will be renewed so they can see their situation more clearly and practice the skills they need to live a life free from addiction. Christian adolescent treatment is the best possible option because it uses the truths of the Bible and a powerful relationship with God to understand their significance in the world, and to follow God’s direction and plan for their lives. Christian treatment provides the critical foundation on which your child will build their bright future.
So will it be difficult to send your child away? Absolutely. But for your child’s well-being and future, it is the best choice you can make. Remember, it is actually more difficult if you don’t send them away to rehab as the risk of permanent physical, psychological, or emotion damage to them, siblings, or innocent bystanders becomes more probable.
You Can Stop This Dangerous Spiral Now
Do what is best for your child and get help today. The Care Guides at Lighthouse Network can help get you started on your child’s turn around and recovery. We will use our expertise of the system and our many national partners to connect you with the right kind of help you can afford for your child, and guide you through this difficult step. We can find your best options for each step of your child and your family’s transformation process. Don’t risk another day, contact us at 844-Life-Change (844-543-3242) to help your child achieve complete healing and achieve their God-given potential.