Many family members have heard of ‘rehab’ and believe it to be a solution to a young persons drug and alcohol issues.
Rehab or ‘long term residential support’ can help a young person to make significant lasting changes but attempted too early can leave a young person with a sense of failure that prevents them giving it another go when they are truly ready.
The main type of Long Term residential support is commonly called ‘rehab'. This is where a young person lives with a group of others in a substance free accommodation supported 24 hours by trained workers. They have the opportunity to participate in a structured program including drug education sessions, goal setting, art, music and as many are situated on a property may participate in care for gardens or animals.
Young people are encouraged to return to study or look for work and learn basic living skills for when they leave the program
Long term residential support requires a commitment of anywhere up to 6 months during which time a young person lives away from their regular circumstances. This can be highly disruptive to young people who are engaged in school or work or who have close supportive relationships.
Young people who have levels of family conflict who are disconnected from school and employment opportunities can benefit greatly from long term residential support.
Most rehabs require a young person undertake a residential withdrawal or homebased withdrawal before they begin the program. A rehab will often help with organising this.
Think rehab might be right for someone you care for? Take a look at our video as well as an example of a rehab run by YSAS.
