It is very difficult thing to watch a loved one struggling with an addiction and recovery. Even more so when the individual in question one one’s teenage child. Often, parents of teens and young adults in recovery don’t know where to turn or how to help. They feel lost. So what can parents do to support a young adult in recovery?
Encourage Healthy Hobbies
It is advisable to encourage the teen to take part in extracurricular activities that they enjoy, like sports, theater, music or art. It can help both the parent and the young adult cope with the challenges of recovery. Taking part in such activities provides a healthy outlet for the teen and it’s a way to get them out of the house and socializing with other teens who are sober.
Monitoring Media Use
Limiting the teen’s use of social media and smart devices, as well as monitoring what they look at and do on them is a good idea in general, but especially so when the teen is in recovery. Parents should not hesitate to ask their teen questions about how much time they are spending online and what their online activities are. This is important for the teen’s own safety. And also, parents should encourage the teen to spend more time outdoors either with family or trusted friends or doing other things, rather than being glued to their devices.
Promote Good Sleeping Habits
Sleep is critical in the growing years, as it is in all stages of life. However, children and teenagers need especially good sleep so that they can function well. Teens need anywhere from 9 to 12 hours or sleep a night. Good sleeping habits help with regulating mood, muscle repair, memory, cognitive abilities and even depression.
Encouraging Physical Activity
Engaging in exercise is one of the best things an individual can do when going through rehab, and it’s no different for young adults. Exercise is good for the body, good for the brain, and as an added benefit the endorphins produced by it can cause a natural high. By engaging in sports or other forms of exercise, teens can get a sense of purpose and an outlet for any anger or frustration they may be feeling. Plus it’s a great way to connect with others.
Healthy Foods
A young adult in recovery must develop new, healthier habits. Eating well is part of that. It is the parents’ responsibility to provide healthy food options. Essential vitamins and minerals will help with the teen’s recovery. Stocking up on leafy greens, lean meats, fruits and vegetables and cutting down on processed foods, sugars etc, are simple changes that can be made.
Blueprints provides support for young adults facing addiction recovery. We provide tailored programs to help resolve addictive behaviors and get them on the path to recovery and healing.
