Drug & Alcohol Rehab for People With Children

Julie, a single mother, has two kids: a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old. She also struggles with substance misuse. What she doesn’t have is someone to care for her kids if she goes to rehab.

Julie wants to get help. She wants to stop misusing substances and be a better mom to her kids. But how? Who will take her kindergartner to school? Who will feed her children breakfast? Who will take care of their 24/7 needs?

Thankfully, there are several types of treatment options for those who are responsible for the wellbeing of children, but who also need professional care to improve upon theirs.

Drug & Alcohol Rehab That Lets You Bring Your Child

There’s good news for those in Julie’s shoes. A solution may be available with residential family treatment programs. These programs often children to live at the treatment center with their parents and incorporate them into the recovery process.

It is important to note that not all residential family treatment programs are alike, and some may offer this option while others may not. These programs can vary in duration and intensity, however the program you enroll in can be tailored to you and your child’s needs so you both can achieve long-term success. Your treatment plan may include a transition to inpatient rehab or outpatient rehab, where with the the latter of the two, you can live at home while attending treatment during the day. Based on your progress, your plan may also include a robust aftercare regimen (e.g., residing in a sober living home) to help sustain your recovery efforts.

Benefits of Family Addiction Treatment Programs for Single Parents

• Family-friendly environment: Residential rehab for families enables parents to bring their children to the facility, where they address substance misuse, teach parenting skills, and keep families together. Program durations may vary, with some offering long-term support.
• Effective parenting techniques: Family treatment offers a supportive environment for honing new parenting skills. A residential rehab where you can take your child typically includes family therapy, parenting classes, and therapeutic activities for parents and children. Parents also receive supervised off-site time to practice these skills, preparing for life after treatment with their children.
• Holistic approaches: Residential family treatment programs equip parents for dual responsibilities—caring for both themselves and their children post-treatment. Single parents dealing with substance misuse have diverse emotional, mental, physical, and social needs, encompassing parenting, personal, and practical aspects like employment. Rehabs that let you bring your child often employ diverse methods, such as life skills training, health education, relapse prevention, and building support networks.
• Child-care: During a residential stay, children receive support as well. Specifics vary by program, but many rehabs that allow children offer individualized therapy, treatment for children’s disorders, and transportation to and from school.

Learn more: Preparing Your Children When You Go to Rehab

For families like Julie and her children, inpatient residential family drug treatment is ideal. Her children are spared the trauma of separation from their mom. With the worry about childcare removed, Julie feels much more motivated to seek addiction treatment. The whole family benefits from the support provided. They can leave rehabilitation treatment with a solid foundation on which to build a life of sobriety together.

Outpatient Rehab for Single Parents

Aside from rehabs where you can take your child with you, there are other options that do not require you to upend your current living situation. Outpatient programs are often an excellent option for single parents who need professional addiction treatment, as they can continue to live at home and care for their children while getting the attention they need to get and stay sober.

Some outpatient programs require a larger time commitment in the week than others, such as partial hospitalization programs or intensive outpatient programs. Standard outpatient treatment, which usually involves attending sessions a few times per week for a few hours at a time, are usually the best fit for busy single parents who do not require more intensive addiction treatment.

Depending on the level of outpatient rehab that a parent needs, they may be able to employ the help of friends, family, or others in the community to assist in childcare if/when they may be unavailable to do it themselves due to treatment (e.g., picking up their child from school, watching the child for a brief time at the end of the day, feeding their child supper, etc.).

Does Health Insurance Cover Family Addiction Treatment Facilities?

Health insurance may cover the costs associated with family addiction treatment facilities, but this can vary based on many factors, including the type of plan you have. If you have health insurance, start by checking your policy, as many plans allow you to use insurance for rehab. Some employers also provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that cover addiction treatment costs. Government programs such as Medicaid and Medicare can also provide financial assistance while nonprofit organizations may offer grants or scholarships to offset expenses.

If you are paying for addiction family rehab without insurance or if your policy doesn’t cover the full cost of treatment, you still have options. Many people pay for family rehab with personal savings or support from family and friends. Financing plans and sliding scale fees provided by rehab facilities can also make payment more manageable.

Drug & Alcohol Rehab That Lets You Bring Your Child

If you are struggling with substance misuse, treatment is available. There are many inpatient family treatment centers to choose from so it’s important to consider the options best suited to your family’s needs. You can start the process of finding a family rehab center by talking to your doctor or a qualified mental health practitioner to discuss your situation and get referrals to treatment. You can also use free online tools like the SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator or our rehabs directory to search for rehabs for mother and child based on specific criteria.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of evidence-based addiction treatment with rehabs across the nation. To learn more about family treatment options, please contact one of our caring admissions navigators today at . We’re available 24/7 to help you find treatment.