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If you have made the decision to check yourself into rehab as a parent, you are certainly concerned with what that means for your children and your family. There are numerous things that you will want to think about when making this decision, so keep reading for tips on how to handle rehab as a parent.
Do Patients Have To Worry About Losing Custody?
While there is no way to guarantee that a parent won’t lose custody after rehab, a substance abuse disorder is not indicative of failure as a parent. In fact, many courts will work with parents to ensure that they can continue to have custody of their children as long as they are making an effort to get better and the child’s life isn’t in danger. Regardless of the outcome, deciding to go to rehab is a brave choice that will show your children that you are willing to do whatever it takes to be there for them.
Getting Addiction Treatment Is Still The Best Choice
Even if you are worried about what will happen to your custody arrangement, getting addiction treatment is still the best choice for you and your family. Treatment can help improve your relationship with your children, provide them with a stable home life, and give you the tools you need to stay sober.
Rehabilitation centers understand that parents often have concerns about their children, which is why they work with patients to help them maintain the best home life possible while still in treatment. Parents are often allowed visitation rights and can use this time to get closer to their children without feeling guilty about it due to addiction issues.
Treatment Options For Parents
Depending on where you live, there are many types of rehabs that you can choose from. There are inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, as well as sober living facilities that offer support to recovering addicts after rehab.
If you are checking into an inpatient facility, you need to make sure that it offers a program that is appropriate for parents. Some rehabs have special programs for parents with young children, so be sure to ask before making a decision.
If you are not able to take time away from work or your children to attend inpatient rehab, there are many outpatient options that offer flexible schedules. This type of rehab usually involves attending meetings and therapy sessions a few times a week.
Preparing For Rehabilitation
There are a few things that you need to do before checking yourself into rehab as a parent, including taking time to research the facility, deciding on a caretaker arrangement for your children if needed, finding childcare options, and talking with extended family members about what is going on in your life. You also need to notify your child’s school of your absence and make sure that someone is available to take care of medical and financial matters in your absence, which will require you to talk with your family doctor and potentially lawyers.
It is also important to have a plan for what will happen when you leave rehab. You need to set some goals for yourself and establish a support system that can help you stay sober after leaving rehab. If you are worried about how rehab will affect your children, be sure to talk to the staff at the rehabilitation center. They will be able to provide you with information about how to best explain what is happening to your children and answer any questions that they may have.
As you can see there are many things that need to be considered when checking into rehab as a parent. If you have already made this decision, it is important to be honest with the rehab facility about your concerns and what you hope will happen while you are in treatment. If you are a parent struggling with addiction, the best thing that you can do for yourself, your children, and the future of your family is getting the help you need and deserve!
