So your teen has just finished a program at a drug rehab center, now what? While you want to remain supportive and optimistic, the truth is, it's estimated that 90 percent of drug rehabilitation patients have had at least one relapse before finally becoming sober - permanently. That's why it's important for parents to monitor their children to help keep them from having a "slip". A relapse does not necessarily begin when drug use starts, it can be a slow process. Here are some common warning signs that your child could be having some difficulty:
No daily routine -- Your child may have noticeable changes in sleeping patterns, overlook personal hygiene or skip meals. These are all warning signs of a step in the wrong direction. Help your child maintain a structured daily schedule and support them throughout the day so that relapse does not occur.
No social life - After completing rehab, many patients may feel out of their element when reunited with loved ones. Your child may feel uncomfortable and nervous around people that he/she used to spend so much time around. Your child may also neglect going to support group meetings. Make certain that your child does not begin to isolate him/herself or that could cause them to relapse.
Thoughts of suicide -- A person trying to recovery from a drug addition may experience feelings of depression. Your child could feel trapped by the inability to change his/her life after rehab and believe that the only way out is to return to using drugs, or worse, commit suicide. If your child shows increased levels of loneliness, frustration, resentment, or is not attending treatment or counseling sessions, provide help for your child ASAP.
Inappropriate actions -- Your child may convince him/herself that "just one" drug won't hurt and this is one of the clearest signs of an impending relapse. It is extremely difficult for those in recovery to realize that life was not bad prior to using drugs and that he/she can make a change in his/her life. Monitor your child's actions and ensure that there are no drugs in sight.
Increased level of stress -- After going through drug rehab and coming home, stress levels can be elevated. Although a little bit of stress is anticipated once a patient returns to the "real world" after rehab, it is important to monitor the mood of your child. Observe your child and ensure that he/she is not over-reacting to situations, having drastic mood swings or negative feelings.
In rehab, people spend a significant time talking about what they'll need to do to improve their individual lives but research suggests that helping someone else could be a vital part of the recovery process. This could be mentoring someone in a support group or volunteering for a cause that is important to the individual. Giving back makes the heart feel full and happy. This could be just the sort of sensation a person needs in order to maintain sobriety when the rehab program is complete.
No daily routine -- Your child may have noticeable changes in sleeping patterns, overlook personal hygiene or skip meals. These are all warning signs of a step in the wrong direction. Help your child maintain a structured daily schedule and support them throughout the day so that relapse does not occur.
No social life - After completing rehab, many patients may feel out of their element when reunited with loved ones. Your child may feel uncomfortable and nervous around people that he/she used to spend so much time around. Your child may also neglect going to support group meetings. Make certain that your child does not begin to isolate him/herself or that could cause them to relapse.
Thoughts of suicide -- A person trying to recovery from a drug addition may experience feelings of depression. Your child could feel trapped by the inability to change his/her life after rehab and believe that the only way out is to return to using drugs, or worse, commit suicide. If your child shows increased levels of loneliness, frustration, resentment, or is not attending treatment or counseling sessions, provide help for your child ASAP.
Inappropriate actions -- Your child may convince him/herself that "just one" drug won't hurt and this is one of the clearest signs of an impending relapse. It is extremely difficult for those in recovery to realize that life was not bad prior to using drugs and that he/she can make a change in his/her life. Monitor your child's actions and ensure that there are no drugs in sight.
Increased level of stress -- After going through drug rehab and coming home, stress levels can be elevated. Although a little bit of stress is anticipated once a patient returns to the "real world" after rehab, it is important to monitor the mood of your child. Observe your child and ensure that he/she is not over-reacting to situations, having drastic mood swings or negative feelings.
In rehab, people spend a significant time talking about what they'll need to do to improve their individual lives but research suggests that helping someone else could be a vital part of the recovery process. This could be mentoring someone in a support group or volunteering for a cause that is important to the individual. Giving back makes the heart feel full and happy. This could be just the sort of sensation a person needs in order to maintain sobriety when the rehab program is complete.
