Why Does My Adolescent Keep Relapsing?
By
The biggest upset you have to face in your teen's recovery is finding out that they have relapsed. You have prayed for them, supported them, and would have stood on your head for their sobriety, but the only way they can stay sober is if they are willing to do whatever it takes. They will likely not stay sober unless they are doing it for themselves. Although you want their sobriety so badly for them, you cannot want it more than they do.
You may be questioning yourself on why they keep relapsing and if there is anything more that you can do for them. If you are supporting their recovery, not enabling them in their addiction, and showing them loving kindness, then your answer is no. There is nothing more that you can do for them unfortunately. Relapse prevention must come from them and there are some definite tasks that need to take place to ensure your adolescent's sobriety.
They need allies
Drug dealers and using friends are really their enemies although they may seem like they are on their side. Your teen needs people in which they can relate to in recovery. Starting in rehab, they will find others that they understand, but once they are back in the real world, they need friends and mentors that they can rely on for the solution. Find local 12-Step meetings for them to attend possibly involving other young people, get connected with a therapist, and you can be their biggest cheerleader of them all. Instead of being against, show them you are for their recovery with all the ups and downs that will ensue.They need solution.
If their solution is to take drugs and alcohol every time they are down, then they will need to find another solution. This not a snap your fingers kind of a situation for them to change. They need tools, guidance, and support to be able to change the things they need to which is just about everything.They need patience
Getting through the pain of addiction takes some time because recovery is not an overnight matter. Your teen will have to put as much into their recovery as they did their addiction, and this takes some to adjust to. Most likely your teen will not be jumping for joy to do the things that are asked of them to do in their program. Over time your teen will hopefully see the benefits of staying sober and stop the insanity of relapse. There is a saying that states relapse is part of recovery which could be entirely true for your situation. Their relapse is not your fault and all you can do is support them during this difficult transitional period until you have decided you have had enough.If you or an adolescent you know needs to get help for drug or alcohol abuse, Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center can give you the guidance that you deserve. Establishing a strong network of family and community can reinforce practices for living substance free.
Call us today to start living in your recovery: 662-598-4214
