Treatment Options for Single Parents

Seeking treatment for a behavioral health or substance use disorder can be very difficult, as can being a single parent. When combined, many people find that receiving the care they need is impossible. While there are unique challenges for single parents who would like to receive treatment, it is still possible.

Below are some of the unique challenges that single parents with a substance use or behavioral health disorder face, what signs to look for, and how in-home treatment may be the perfect solution to meet the needs of a single parent that requires a high level of care but also has the responsibilities that come with raising one or more children.

The Unique Challenges of Single Parents

Being a single parent can add increased stress and can create unique challenges for those suffering from a behavioral health, mental health, or substance use disorder. Some of these challenges may include:

·      Limited Support. Single parents may lack the support they would otherwise receive from a caring spouse. This may be due to the spouse passing away or simply no longer being in the child’s life. This limited support, coupled with a substance use or behavioral health disorder, can add additional stress to a single parent.

·      Limited Treatment Options. In a two-parent household or with joint custody, it can be much easier to take a sabbatical to receive treatment at a treatment center (whether it be residential or outpatient treatment). For a single parent, it can be much more difficult to receive treatment and care for a child.

·      Custody Concerns. Single parents who share custody or have a spouse seeking custody may have custody concerns due to their addiction. If a spouse can prove substance use and neglect, it can lead to losing custody of a child.

·      Emotional Strain on the Child. It’s no surprise that a substance use or behavioral health disorder can be extremely emotionally straining on a child. They not only have to grow up in an environment where they are exposed to potential drug use and other unhealthy habits, but they also may be at risk of emotional and even physical abuse. Whether a parent is under the influence or not, abuse and other behaviors can leave permanent emotional scars.

·      Guilt and Shame. Being a parent that suffers from a substance use or behavioral health disorder can be a source of guilt and shame. Constantly hiding the disorder from both the child and others, missing appointments, and not being a positive role model can all lead to these negative feelings.

While single parents face these challenges, help is still available! Consider treatment options that work around your schedule and provide you with the support you need (such as in-home treatment). You can overcome the challenges of addiction while being the best single parent possible and a positive role model in your child’s life.

Signs of Addiction

There are some signs of addiction that a single parent should look for. Some of these include:

·      Neglecting activities and responsibilities (including child care)

·      Erratic behavior

·      Financial issues

·      Inability to quit a behavior

·      Lying

·      Engaging in risky behaviors

·      Social withdrawal and isolation

·      Health issues

·      Arrests

·      Consistent money borrowing

Why In-Home Treatment is an Excellent Option for Single Parents

There are quite a few reasons why in-home treatment is an excellent option for single parents. Some of these reasons include:

Treatment from the Comfort of Your Own Home

It can be very difficult for a single parent to balance work and taking care of their children. Add visiting an outpatient center for hours at a time, multiple times throughout the week and it can seem impossible. With in-home treatment, a single parent can receive treatment around their schedule, in the place that it is most convenient.

Treatment in the “Real World”

Challenges will crop up during and after treatment. With in-home care, single parents can meet these challenges head-on, with the support of a staff of experts that are available to meet their needs.

Family Involvement

As substance use and behavioral health conditions affect the family, family involvement in recovery can be an excellent addition to treatment. With in-home treatment, parents and their children can meet for family sessions to both foster healing and ensure the home is a supportive and loving environment to grow and recover.

In-Home Treatment Tailored to Meet Your Needs

If you are a single parent and you are looking for in-home treatment on your terms, reach out to Front Door Health.

Front Door Health provides concierge, judgment-free in-home treatment for patients when they need it. We take an evidence-based approach to treatment, and we create custom treatment plans for our patients to increase their chances of success. Our treatment process is client-focused and individualized. This means no group sessions with strangers and no “treatment as usual” approach. You are unique and the treatment plan we create for you is designed to meet you where you are along your journey and help you to reach your recovery goals.

We understand that it can be difficult to put your life on hold and take time off work. Our in-home treatment allows you to continue to meet your work, school, family, and other obligations while receiving the treatment you deserve.

If you would like to learn more about in-home treatment, contact Front Door Health today. We’re happy to answer any questions and provide you with the help you need.

773.747.5500

info@frontdoorhealthcenter.com