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Power to the Parents: I started using marijuana when I was 13... Power to the Parents is a regular feature that has appeared in every issue of The Guide to Good Health for the past year. The purpose of the column is to present advice and support from expert professionals at Gateway Rehabilitation Center to help parents and guardians who are concerned about young family members and substance misuse. With this issue, we have consulted an "expert" who has lived the experience. His name is "Nick," he is 19, and he is eager to share his journey with readers, with the hope of offering others insights about substance abuse and recovery that may help them as they struggle with challenges within their own families. Can you tell me about how you came to enter a recovery program at Gateway Rehab's Youth Center? What made you start to like being at Gateway? I came to understand the importance of structure – having a routine helps a lot. It's actually a life skill. My day there was organized; I knew what to expect, what was going to happen. We had three big meals and really good food; that part was great. We had group meetings, classes and sessions with our therapists. The other really great thing about my time at Gateway was my relationship with my therapist, Jeremy. He taught me how to deal with my anger. Did you learn things about yourself at Gateway? What has been hardest for you, now that you are home? How has this experience changed your life? What would you like to tell parents about how Gateway can help their kids? I think parents should first try to be nice about it, offer to take your child to Gateway for a visit. If that doesn't work, you might have to force them to go. I'm glad I was forced to go; it was worth it. There's no question that I'm a more mature person and my life is better because of Gateway. It's the best facility around. If you work at it, your life will change for the better. Commentary from Richard Foster, Ph.D., Executive Vice-President for Treatment Programs at Gateway: Most often, those who come to the Youth Center come with an external motivation, like Nick. That can serve as a jump start. Nick was able to go on to develop internal motivation. He had to work hard, progress through levels of the program and earn privileges. Our 90-120 day program helps with the transition; it's a long stay, but it takes a long time to make changes. Less time generally means less likelihood of success.
If parents think their child is using drugs or alcohol, they need to remember that they not only have a right to question their child and check up on his activities, but also a responsibility to do so. For more information, contact Gateway Rehab at 1-800-472-1177 or visit www.gatewayrehab.org. ![]() |
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