You may be looking for information about how to engage treatment with your child. Parents can be unsure how to be most effective and helpful to children who have a mental health or substance use disorder. Teenagers often struggle to accept help or to make changes that are consistent with their long-term goals. We have seen that even the most angry, resentful, and resistant teens make significant strides during and after treatment, even when it takes longer than many parents wish.

As a parent you know your child better than anyone. You have the right and responsibility to lead your family, not to follow a child’s youthful wishes. Teens will often try to continue their current behaviors even when they are self-destructive.

Substance Use

Alcohol and other drug use is the behavior that most interrupts the natural maturing process for adolescents. Parents can support teens by removing alcohol and other drugs from their home. Attend treatment sessions with your teen when appropriate, or find family support meetings in the community.

Mental Health

Learn the skills your child needs to be using to help them work through their issues. Parents can attend family sessions when appropriate, and they can help their child remember to activate the skills they are learning.

Social Media

The recent rise of social media has only bolstered the constant contact teenagers have with each other, which can encourage unwanted behaviors among those at risk. Social media also has risks to our children’s mental health in other ways.

It is our hope that your child will ultimately recognize the sacrifice, commitment, and resolve you exhibit by providing the needed care, support and unwavering commitment to their health. Regardless of your teen’s issues, we know that early intervention is a key to easier recovery. Adolescent Substance Abuse Programs (ASAP) and Clarity Behavioral Health (CBH) are here to help you in this journey.