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Parents and family can help through early education
about drugs, open communication, good role modeling, and
early recognition if problems are developing. If there is any suspicion
that there is a problem, parents and family must find the
most appropriate intervention for their loved one.
The decision to get treatment for a child, adolescent
or loved one is serious. Parents and family members are encouraged
to seek consultation from a trained addiction counselllor when making
decisions about substance abuse treatment for children, adolescents
and adults.
No single treatment is appropriate for
everyone.
At New Life Counselling we believe it is important
to match treatment settings, interventions, and services to each
individual's particular problems and needs. This is critical to
his or her ultimate success in returning to healthy functioning
in the family, school, and society.
Remaining in treatment
for an adequate period of time is critical
for treatment effectiveness and positive change. Each person is
different and the amount of time in treatment will depend on his
or her problems and needs. Research shows that for most individuals,
the beginning of improvement begins at about 1-3 months into the
treatment process. After this time, there is usually further progress
toward recovery.
Counselling
(Individual and/or group) and other behavioral
therapies are critical components of effective treatment. In therapy,
adults/teens look at issues of motivation, build skills to resist
substance use, replace substance-using activities with constructive
and rewarding behaviors, and improve problem-solving skills. Behavioral
therapy also facilitates interpersonal relationships and the person's
ability to function in the home and community.
Detoxification
Whether it is at home, in a residential setting
or hospital based is only the first stage of addiction treatment
and by itself does little to change long-term drug use. For some
substance users medical detoxification safely manages the acute
physical symptoms of withdrawal associated with stopping drug
use. While detoxification alone is rarely sufficient to help addicts
achieve long-term abstinence, for some individuals it is a strongly
indicated precursor to effective drug addiction treatment.
Relapse
Relapses to substance use can occur during
or after successful treatment episodes. Addicted individuals may
require prolonged treatment or multiple episodes of treatment
to achieve long-term abstinence and fully restored functioning.
Participation in self-help (LINK SELF HELP) support programs
during and following treatment often is helpful in maintaining
abstinence. Parents and family members should ask what aftercare
treatment services are available for continued or future treatment.
At New Life
We all know that most people struggle in recovery
with relapse, which unfortunately is a common occurrence. Preventing
relapse is one of the most important aspects in your recovery.
You may find that you are living day by day with the fear of relapsing.
Living in fear greatly hampers your recovery and sobriety, and
is not necessary. Whether you are involved in our coaching program,
groups or individual counselling the staff at New Life Counselling
will teach you how you can live a happy, healthy life, without
fear and without relapse.
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