Drug addiction does not discriminate. Anyone – at any age, from any upbringing – can develop a drug or alcohol problem. One teen may develop a dependence on painkillers, after an athletic injury. Another may develop an Adderall addiction after using this stimulant as a semester-long “study aid.” A young adult may have started drinking in adolescence, which opened the door for more dangerous drug use during his college years. These situations are not uncommon.

If your loved one is struggling with addiction, know that you are not alone. As a parent, it’s important to know that you are also not to blame. Addiction can happen to anyone. However, you can make a difference. You can help your loved one into recovery by finding a reputable, reliable drug rehab center.

Of course, that’s easier said than done, right? Choosing the right drug rehab center can be an overwhelming process for family members. It is hard enough to watch your loved one fall into the addiction cycle – now, you must sift through all your drug rehab options and choose the “right” one. What defines “right,” anyway? How will you know which rehab center is best for your loved one?

Today, there are all types of drug rehab programs out there. You can consider short-term or long-term treatment, outpatient or inpatient rehab, group or individualized therapies. You can look at luxury rehab centers or focus on finding evidenced-based care. If your loved one is battling co-occurring disorders, he or she will require a specialty dual diagnosis rehab center. With all these options, where do you begin your search?

Your son or daughter’s needs will reveal which type of drug rehab center will bring the most success. There is no “one size fits all” model or formula that defines the “best drug rehab center” around. However, there are certain components that only the most successful drug rehab centers ensure. When researching treatment programs for your teen or young adult, be sure to check these items off your list:

1. Individualized treatment plans –

As noted above, no single treatment plan will work for everyone. The right drug rehab center will look at the bigger picture and take all your loved one’s needs – medical, psychological, legal, social – into consideration before defining a recovery plan. They will consider your child’s age, gender, drug of choice, goals, and willingness to stop using when tailoring his or her treatment approach.

2. Gender-specific programs –

Drug addiction affects men and women differently, and research shows that the genders have different experiences with drug use. Women in recovery, for example, often carry past traumas such as physical or emotional abuse. In a gender-specific rehab facility, your loved one will get tailored treatment from clinical professionals who are specifically training in young men’s, or young women’s substance abuse. Gender-specific treatment addresses each gender’s unique needs and allows men and women to recover comfortably and openly, without any distraction from the opposite sex.

3. Age-appropriate treatment –

Just as gender is an important consideration, the drug treatment center you choose should also be specific to your loved one’s age group. Teenagers and young adults have different experiences than older adults. They use drugs for different reasons. Developmentally, they are at a different stage and mental state. It is important that a rehab facility offers understands these differences and offers programs for younger age groups. At Turnbridge, for example, our programs are tailored to teens and young adults – we offer engaging activities and therapies so that clients want to become an active part of their recovery journey.

4. Dual diagnosis therapy –

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Effectively treating substance use disorders in adolescents requires also identifying and treating any other mental health conditions they may have.” The NIDA continues to state that treatment for any mental health problems – ADHD, anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and other psychiatric or conduct disorders – should be integrated with substance abuse treatment. At least half of people battling addiction also battle a co-occurring mental health issue, so it is important to find a dual diagnosis treatment center that is prepared to treat both at once, with an integrated approach.

5. Evidence-based behavioral treatment methods –

The NIDA also suggests that the best treatment approach for teens and young adults involves a combination of addiction therapies – including evidence-based, behavioral treatment methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These therapies help adolescents and young adults live drug free and strengthen their motivation to stay sober. These therapy methods also help young people develop life skills, problem-solving skills, and coping skills for managing drug cravings.

6. Long-term treatment plans –

As much as you may want to get rehab “over with,” it’s important to know that addiction is a disease and recovery is a journey. Sobriety does not come overnight, and relapse risks are high. To find long-lasting success, experts recommend a long-term drug treatment program that lasts at least 90 days. The most successful outcomes come with even longer durations of treatment. According to the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence, patients who stay in residential drug rehab for long periods of time have better rates of recovery.

7. A safe healing environment –

One of the most important factors to look for in a drug rehab center is a safe, supportive, stress-free and drug-free healing environment – somewhere removed from outside peer pressure, relapse triggers, and temptation. This is often a challenge with outpatient treatment centers, as those in recovery still have to return home (to their daily lives) each night. That is why, at Turnbridge’s inpatient drug rehab center, we build an environment for success. Our residences and clinical facilities reflect tranquility, security, peace of mind, inspiration, and space for each person to flourish. With deliciously nutritious meals, in-house fitness and yoga centers, music and art studios, our residents always have a place to fuel positive energy during their healing process.

8. Round-the-clock care –

Residential substance use treatment also means round-the-clock care, an essential component of addiction recovery. Your loved one deserves constant, 24/7 access to clinical resources, counselors, and watchful support staff (especially during the early stages of recovery).

9. Family support programs –

Research shows that family involvement greatly strengthens a person’s recovery and can lead to better treatment outcomes. When researching drug rehab centers, look for a facility that prioritizes family relationships and communication. And, because parents also deserve emotional support and education during this time, look for a center that also offers family programs for you – such as the array of parent support groups, workshops, and other help for families of addicts at Turnbridge.

10. Educational and vocational opportunities

Your loved one shouldn’t have to put his or her life on hold to go to drug rehab. Especially at his/her age, finding a rehab center that incorporates education and work into its program is key to helping your loved one stay on track. Turnbridge, for example, has educational advisors and tutors ready to help residents still in school – assessing academic statuses, enrolling them in courses based on their readiness in the program, and helping them to excel in each opportunity that arises. In the later stages of our recovery program, residents are also encouraged to pursue volunteer opportunities in nearby communities and organizations around New Haven. We find these opportunities help clients regain life skills and prepare them for the transition between drug rehab and long-term sober living.

If you have any questions, or simply would like to learn more about Turnbridge’s Connecticut drug rehab center and dual diagnosis programs, please do not hesitate to call 877-581-1793 today.