If you find that you are addicted to drinking – and you are just a teenager- you need to make sure that you go to a reputable rehabilitation facility so you can get your life back on track. After all, you have many healthy and happy years ahead of you! This is just a blip in the radar in terms of the big picture. However, finding help as soon as possible when you are in this vulnerable state is key to getting clean, remaining sober, and learning how to reintegrate into school and society as a whole.
Let’s see a few things you should focus on when it comes to alcohol recovery like The Forge Recovery Center as a teenager.
Going to alcohol recovery as a teenager?
If you are in alcohol recovery as a teenager, it may feel overwhelming and isolating. However, there are going to be others in the program with you who have been through what you are going through – or who are going through it at the same time! By learning coping skills, identifying triggers, working with therapists, and speaking with others in group therapy sessions, you can learn more about your addiction and why you are drinking so much.
Figure out why you are drinking
By going to group therapy sessions and individual counseling with your professional therapist, you can learn why you are drinking. This may mean that you are always over drinking at parties or that you’re drinking during the week. If you can’t get through a day with a drink, your life revolves around the next drink, or you are always drinking to excess on the weekends, this can be a sign that you need help. Figure out why you are drinking while speaking with your therapist – is there any uncovered trauma, harmful feelings, or issue that you need to address?
Address peer pressure
If you don’t know how to handle peer pressure, your alcohol recovery program will be able to teach you how to say “no” to drinking and still have a good time! If you find that your group of friends is pressuring you, either talk with them about the issue – or find new friends. Your friends should be there to support you 100% in whatever you do – so if you find they no longer want to hang out with you when you’re sober, then you need to find a new friend group that is loving and supportive.
Medical detoxification
The first thing that you should keep in mind when you are in alcohol recovery as a teenager is going through detox. Make sure you completely wean yourself off of alcohol before you begin the inpatient programs so you can have a fresh start and a clean slate. Medical detox is key to getting a clean head and a clear mind before you can proceed with the rest of your recovery process.
Identify any social or personal concerns
If you find that you are having trouble in school fitting in with people, you feel that you are pressured to drink by your friends, or you are having trouble at home, speak with the counselors at the alcohol recovery center to figure out how you can fix these issues. Sometimes, getting a change in environment can help you become a little more insightful and gather advice on what to do next.
Find out other things that make you happy
If alcohol makes you happy – or it did in the past – you need to find something new that makes you happy. At alcohol recovery, you can find out other hobbies and skills that you have that may have been pushed to the side during your alcoholism. Maybe you enjoy playing sports, running, hiking, walking, or drawing pictures. Whatever the case, focus your new energy on this hobby and talent!
Conclusion
During alcohol recovery, you will learn important skills coping mechanisms, identify triggers, and dress any issues that are causing you to drink. During this process, you will learn about what makes you happy, what issues you need to fix in your personal life, and new hobbies that can take away time that you spend thinking about consuming alcohol! Going to alcohol recovery is key for teenagers to get their life back on track and be happy once more.
