Regardless of what your teen is struggling with, there are times when treatment might be essential to helping them recover. If they’re struggling with an addiction, they may not yet realize the impact they’re having on others or themselves. Whether your teen is addicted to gaming, drugs, alcohol, or other substances or actions, it’s essential that they do get the help they need.
So, what do you do if your teen is resisting going to treatment? You have to figure out why they’re resisting.
Why Do Teens Typically Resist Going to Treatment?
There are many common reasons why teens resist going to treatment. Some of those reasons may include:
- Not feeling like they have a problem
- Thinking that it’s embarrassing to get help
- Falsely believing that going to therapy or getting help means that they’re sick or that something is wrong with them
- Thinking that therapy or medicine won’t work
- Feeling defensive about the negative attention they’re receiving
- Feeling depressed or hopeless, believing that treatment won’t help
Be Understanding to Help Your Child Most
While it might be frustrating that your child is resistant to the treatment you know that they need, the reality is that this is a common problem. Convincing your child to do something they don’t want to do is difficult, so it’s up to you to allow them to explain why they feel the way they do.
Understand that they’re concerned or feel threatened or attacked by the idea of going to seek help. Explain yourself and how you think that this treatment may help them.
Being understanding doesn’t mean you have to continue to allow unwanted behaviours, but it does mean that you can be compassionate about what they’re going through. Tell your child that you know they may not be feeling supported, loved, or in control but that you’re willing to help them get treatment to feel better.
What Strategies Can Help Get Your Child Into Treatment?
A few strategies that may help your child agree to go to seek treatment include:
- You can frame teen treatment in a new way, such as by suggesting that you also go or that your child sees a “coach” rather than a “counsellor.” Verbiage matters and could make a difference in their opinion.
- Focus on what your teen’s priorities are. Are they worried about how their peers would view them if they went to treatment? Suggest treatment during times when their peers won’t know. Are they concerned about symptoms of anxiety or depression? Ask what your child wants to do and use motivational interviewing to get them on board.
- Get the right doctor’s advice. If your teen isn’t ready for treatment, it may come down to needing more information or feeling comfortable with the right provider. Be willing to allow them to meet the provider without obligation. Allow your child to interview those counsellors or medical providers. If they’re comfortable, they’re more likely to go to treatment.
- Be persistent. Try new ways of suggesting teen treatment, and be prepared to help your child make good choices. Listen to what your teen has to say, so you can strengthen your relationship while also working together to get them the help they need.
Get In Touch with Venture Academy Today
At Venture Academy, we offer addiction treatment and have teen addiction treatment programs that are personalized to your child’s needs. We know that teen addiction treatment programs can be a great help, even if your child is reluctant to enroll. We’re here to help you get them to decide to seek help. Call or contact us today at 866.762.2211 to learn more about how we can assist you.
