For parents, discovering that a child has a drug problem can be a scary moment. It is easy to interpret this as a sign of parental failure or mistaken tactics, but the fact is that addiction is a disease. Even the best parents in the world can raise an addict if the genetic predisposition is there. So do not be too hard on yourself. Instead, focus on helping your teen get through this stage in the most positive and sustainable way possible. Your child needs you, so give all the help you can.

Look at the bright side. The fact that you are facing inpatient drug rehabilitation for your teen is a good sign. Whether you are taking this step because of a doctor's recommendation or simply because your child is out of control, this step is a positive one. Think about all the parents out there who never discover their children's drug problems. Such teens often grow up to face lifelong struggles with addiction, and this can hinder every aspect of life. Your child, in contrast, is on a positive path.

Choosing a program
Your family doctor should be able to recommend a good inpatient drug rehabilitation that is open to teens. If not, there are other resources. Call around to local treatment centers and find out about how they handle teen addiction. You can also call local support groups and ask if there are any particular addiction treatment programs they recommend. Meanwhile, the web is a great resource for researching options.

Only choose from programs that have accreditation, and try to pick one that is fully or mostly covered by your family's insurance. Before making your final choice, it is a good idea to visit the facility in person to make sure that it feels right. You may also want to talk with the officials at the treatment center to make sure their philosophy aligns with yours.

During treatment
Your role during treatment depends on the program. Some inpatient drug rehabilitation programs ask parents to be present as often as possible so the entire family can feel involved in the rehabilitation progress. Other programs, however, have set times of day for parents to visit and engage their patients in a variety of activities and treatment steps during the rest of the day.

Meanwhile, do not forget to tend to your own emotional needs. You and your spouse might want to get involved in a specialized support group for parents of teens who are suffering from drug abuse. Most cities have at least one such program, and you should be able to get information from your doctor or your child's treatment center. In any event, it is a good idea to connect with other parents in similar situations to yours so that you do not have to feel so alone in your struggle.