What to expect . . .
While your son or daughter is at Hazelden
Here at Hazelden, we understand that you might be feeling some fear and anxiety
when thinking about sending your son or daughter to Hazelden. Many parents feel guilt about their son's or daughter's addiction and some feel ashamed that others will judge them. However, at Hazelden we believe that addiction is a "no-fault" disease. We do not believe your child's addiction is your fault and we are here to help you feel more comfortable during your son's or daughter's recovery process. The information here is intended to provide you with a better understanding of what your son or daughter will be experiencing while in treatment at Hazelden and to make you feel confident in your decision that Hazelden is the best choice for your child's recovery.
- What is addiction?
- Offering support and encouragement
- Hazelden's Parent Program
- What will happen during my son's or daughter's stay at Hazelden?
- How can I help my son or daughter during treatment at Hazelden?
Since 1956 addiction has been recognized by the American Medical Association as a chronic disease, not unlike diabetes, cancer and heart disease. While symptoms of these other diseases are mostly physical, people with addiction experience physical as well as emotional and social symptoms characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior and drug abuse. Continued use of the addictive substance causes changes in the brain that lead to tolerance, physical dependence, uncontrollable craving, and often relapse. These side effects can often jeopardize jobs, education, and can cause someone to hurt themselves, their friends or their family members.
Offering support and encouragement
Hazelden understands that this is a very difficult time for your son or daughter and your family. With the decision to get help, you've taken a critical first step in the journey of lifelong recovery. Your son or daughter will need your support and encouragement so they know you are still there for them, and are caring for and believing in them. Support from family and friends is a crucial part of the recovery process. While your child is at Hazelden, he or she will be able to stay in contact with you via phone and postal mail. You will be able to send them care packages and there are regular opportunities to visit on-site at Hazelden. Visiting hours are Sundays from 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. for patients who have been in treatment for at least 72 hours. With the exception of immediate family, all visitors must be approved by the patient's counselor. Patients do not have access to email during their time at Hazelden. You are greatly encouraged to contact your son or daughter throughout their stay to reassure them that you support them in their recovery and that you are with them each step of the way.
At Hazelden's adolescent and young adult facility, we offer the unique and beneficial Parent Program. The Parent Program is designed specifically for parents of youth who are struggling with addiction. This program will provide you with the support and education you need to understand why your son or daughter is suffering from this disease and what you can do to help during the recovery. This program will also provide you with the opportunity to share your experience, strength, and hope with other parents. Some discussion topics include:
- Addiction as a disease
- Impact of the disease on the individual and their family
- Parenting issues
- Relapse Prevention
- The need for self-care and the Twelve Steps of Al-Anon and Families Anonymous.
This four-day program begins Sunday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. and concludes Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Since each day builds on content discussed the day before, it is expected that you commit to the entire four-day program. There will be opportunities to spend time with your son or daughter including eating lunch with them, visiting with them and spending time with them off campus (at staff discretion). For more information about the Parent Program, or to register, contact your son or daughter's counselor.
What will happen during my son's or daughter's stay at Hazelden?
- Upon admittance, each patient is assigned his or her own interdisciplinary care team consisting of team members that are specialized in different areas that are important to the recovery process. The members of this team include specialists in addiction counseling, psychology, psychiatry, physical health family care, spiritual care, nutrition and wellness. This team will look at unique aspects of your child's life to determine the specific factors that may be influencing their behavior, and how best to help them.
- Based on this assessment, the team will develop a specialized care plan that will be carefully modified and integrated into the recovery process as your son or daughter advances towards complete, lifelong sobriety.
- Throughout their stay, the care team will be monitoring their progress in treatment to continually ensure that they are receiving the specific care and support they need. During their stay, your son or daughter will participate in gender-specific programs to help them stay focused on their own recovery while discussing gender-specific issues. This also allows patients to more comfortably explore sensitive issues in a safe and supportive environment.
- There will be a variety of recreational activities available to ensure your son or daughter is having fun during their time at Hazelden. This is intended to show them that there are ways to have fun while sober. During the summer months, there are opportunities to swim in beautiful Medicine Lake, which is next to our campus. They will also be able to participate in many activities including exercise sessions, arts and crafts, movies, karaoke, creative expression, walks through surrounding grounds, jam sessions, ping-pong, etc. Along with on-campus activities, your son or daughter will be able to attend off-campus activities including theater, sporting events, movies and other activities.
- Many young patients who receive addiction treatment at Hazelden often have co-occurring mental health issues such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, an eating disorder or anxiety. If this is the case with your son or daughter, we will help them understand how each diagnosis interacts with their addiction and how best to manage these issues to support their recovery. A mental health professional is designated to patients who have a co-occurring disorder to ensure their mental health needs are identified and treated along with their addiction.
How can I help my son or daughter during treatment at Hazelden?
We know parents want to be there for their children, and being there by phone or mail is the best way you can help. When your son or daughter calls, acknowledge their feelings and let them know you're there to help. Remind them of the fulfilling life that Hazelden will help them achieve. As a parent, you didn't cause and can't control their addiction. But you can be there to offer your support, encouragement and love. Your role as an encouraging parent is crucial in the recovery process. Your support is a very important factor in the recovery of your son or daughter. Hazelden is here for you, so please feel free to contact us anytime with your questions or concerns at (800) 257-7810.
