If you want to know how to help your child after drug rehab, you need to know the facts and have a plan. Relapse is a common occurrence among teens that are vulnerable to certain people, situations and other triggers that may spark a fond memory of when they were using with their friends. Most relapses occur within the first four years after rehab treatment, and often times can be avoided if you know how to help your kid stay sober. Below are some tips on how to help someone after rehab:

1. Avoid Triggers

It is important that you are aware of where your child is and whom they are with. Your teen will have to give up their former drug using friends and stay clear of places where they congregate to do drugs. It is also important to remove all drug paraphernalia from your home and anything that may tempt him to use drugs again. This may includes photos, posters, music, books, clothing, etc. Whatever mentally associates your teen with drug using has to go. These are practical steps you can follow to help your kid stay sober.

2. Set Goals

It is vital that you keep the lines of communication open with your child. Keep a loving, supportive, and encouraging attitude, and don't condemn or place guilt on your teen. Your teen will be busy with schoolwork, but discuss other activities that he may be interested in doing that he enjoys, like sports, technology, woodworking etc. Keep him busy with healthy activities to help keep his mind off of drugs.

Also let him set goals for his future so that he has something to work towards and focus on. This is how to help your child after drug rehab.

3. Seek Good Counsel

Your child should continue to visit with a counselor that he is comfortable discussing things with. There are secular counselors and faith-based counselors that encourage specific values and morals. If you are faith-based your teen may also speak with your Pastor or someone else in your church that you trust. You may have great discussions with your teen, but sometimes he may want a third opinion. Seeking good counsel is another essential step in how to help someone after rehab.

4. HALT

Remember the addiction recovery acronym HALT= hungry, angry, lonely, and tired. These are times when a person is vulnerable to relapse so they should be avoided. How to help your child after drug rehab includes making sure he is getting nutritious meals and staying well hydrated. Rest and exercise are imperative to good physical and mental health and will keep your child strong, focused and able to handle stress better.

Everyone needs some social activity with others and your child is no exception. He should spend time with family and friends who support his sobriety. And last but not least, you can help your kid stay sober by discussing anger and resentment with him. Anger is an unhealthy emotion if left to fester, so it is imperative that it be dealt with quickly. Your child should discuss his feelings with either you or his counselor and learn to let anger go. Teach him why it is beneficial to forgive others and also him self, and to put the past behind him. This is another vital tip on how to help your child after drug rehab.

5. Mental Health

If your child has a mental disorder such as ADHD, bi-polar disorder, anxiety or depression, it is imperative that he is vigilant about managing his disorder. He may have to take medication and also go to his counselor or therapist to keep his thoughts, emotions and behavior under control. As his parent you must make sure that he is properly managing his disorder so that he does not relapse on drugs. This is how to help your child after drug rehab and keep him on the right path.

There are many ways you can support and encourage your child and help him avoid a relapse. You are his greatest advocate and support system, so it is up to you to help influence his thoughts and behavior to stay sober and create a great life.