There are countless phrases that describe how important home is in our lives; “There’s no place like home,” “Home is where the heart is,” “Home is where I hang my hat,” and “Home for the holidays.” But there’s another one of these saying that isn’t used as much but perhaps sums up our love of home best; “The best journey takes us home.” One of these journeys is taken when your daughter leaves and then comes home from treatment.
Managing Life While a Child Is in Treatment
Seeing a child leave the home can be one of the hardest experiences we as parents may ever have to go through. This can be especially challenging when that child is leaving for something as intense and important as treatment.
There is little doubt that there are going to be times when you miss your daughter. You may question whether this was the right decision or whether everything is going to be back together after she gets home from treatment. The important thing to remember is that you made the right choice. Even though it may seem hard at the time, seeking help for a child is one of the most courageous things you can do. Remember, the hardest experiences are also the most rewarding.
Also, while she is away at treatment, it is time to take care of yourself from what you have experienced during their mental health and/or addiction issues. Remember, addiction is a “family disease,” and you need and deserve healing as well. While your daughter is away, it is an ideal time to get it.
Giving Your Child Space to Recover While They Are in Treatment
It is also critical to understand that treatment has a process, and often, part of that process is creating some space between your daughter and the outside world. This includes their home life and, yes, includes their parents.
Now, this has nothing negative to do with you. It is merely a matter of giving them the space and distance they need to focus solely on their recovery. Also, it allows them to see their behaviors from “afar,” so they can assess how they used to conduct themselves in order to right it while in treatment. Again, this space also exists to give you and the entire family the space they need to heal as well.
Healing the Family While a Child Is in Treatment
Now, as previously mentioned, addiction is a family disease; thus, there needs to be a family solution. That means that the entire family unit needs to heal, whatever that consistency may look like (parents, caretakers, siblings, close relatives).
This focused healing is best begun while your daughter is in treatment. This way, the family can feel wholly comfortable expressing and working on their needs. Some options for this may be family therapy, community meetings such as the ones provided by Al-Anon or Alateen, or perhaps more focused individual talk therapy sessions. The key is to start the healing process now so your daughter can both see your progress as well as join after they get home from treatment.
What to Prepare for When Your Child Comes Home From Treatment
The first big aspect of what to prepare for when your daughter gets home from treatment is to prepare a safe and secure space for her. This means getting rid of any triggering items or issues that may still be present around the house.
Now, this most likely includes getting rid of any alcohol or substances that may be present. It may mean managing how social media is entering the house. Also, it may mean ensuring that anyone who could be a toxic or triggering influence on their recovery steers clear of the home.
Setting Boundaries and Sticking to Consequences
Another part of preparing for your daughter on her return home from treatment is having a “home agreement” contract ready to be worked on. This is simply a contract that explains how things are going to proceed in the home now that she has returned. Now, this also includes having boundaries for behaviors set.
Also, it should be ready to be worked on with her rather than already completed. This is because it is an agreement, and she should have some of her input on it as well. Plus, when she is involved, she is much more likely to understand the terms and understand that you are serious about the consequences you both agree upon.
Long-Term Recovery at Clearview
The goal for us here at Clearview Horizon Girls Academy is not to merely “fix” your daughter and send her on her way. No, the goal here at Clearview Horizon Girls Academy is to provide the road and then the road map for long-term recovery.
The iconic American poet, T.S. Eliot, once said, “Home is where one starts from.” Here at Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, we also make sure that the home is where one successfully starts over from as well.
Treatment is only the first part of the process toward lasting success in recovery. Therefore, creating a home environment built upon the concept of occasionally allowing nature to teach lessons instead of nurture is important. Parents must empower their children instead of enabling and overstepping to fix their issues and missteps. Parents must understand when to support from afar and decide when they are willing and not willing to help. Families should also create an exit plan to build a sense of independence within the child and maintain their trust and respect. For more information on how to prepare for your child after they get home from treatment, call Clearview Horizon today at 866-584-4788.
