Question: How can parents help their teen recover from a dual diagnosis?
Answer: Most dual diagnosed teens will not be able to heal successfully on their own. In order to recover they will need skilled professional help and the consistent support of their family. The combination of dealing with two significant problems is a lot for parents to cope with, and it's difficult for your teen as well.
Parents can directly help a teen during the healing process in many ways, to include:
- Letting your teen progress at a pace they feel comfortable with.
- Acknowledging how difficult the process of healing can be.
- Trying to understand what your teen is going through emotionally on a day-to-day basis.
- Offering positive feedback every time your teen takes a positive step forward.
- Getting strong, consistent support for yourself.
- Actively supporting your teen in their treatment program, to include attending education programs and family therapy.
- Helping to keep your teen motivated and hopeful.
- Encouraging your teen to participate in activities to help build self-esteem and avoid isolation.
- Learning as much as possible about your teens' condition.
- Advocating on your teens' behalf to get the treatment they need, when necessary.
- Expecting there will be difficult times and set backs during recovery.
- Offering your love and support.
Dual diagnosed teens struggling to overcome both a substance abuse and mental health disorder benefit from getting support and understanding from family members when they are initially diagnosed, and throughout the process of recovery.
In some cases this can make a significant difference in how quickly and effectively a teen is able to heal.
Quick Links:Troubled Teens | Quiz: Is Your Teen At-Risk?