All too often drug rehabs and troubled teen centers focus solely on the teenager without actively involving the family. At Spencer Teen Family Program, we recognize that the family is the most intimate and influential force on the teenager whether he or she understands this or not. It is the family that has watched the child grow and develop into a teenager. The family wants to have a teenager who is able to handle problems and develop the self-confidence to handle problems independently in a constructive, positive manner. Unfortunately this does not always happen and communication barriers, alcohol and drug abuse and lack of responsibility can keep a situation from getting better.

Spencer's Teen Family Program can get a handle on behavior problems and put the family back on track to a healthy relationship. The family has an influence on its members but often even the best models cannot always avoid having a child with behavior problems. Influences of peers, media and internal struggles can often help counteract even the best parenting. Add in divorce, financial hardships or problems with school and life can become very hard for a teenager. Often professional intervention is the only viable option to immediately have an influence on behavior.

If you have found, or strongly suspect that your child is having problems with alcohol or drugs, this is usually a strong indicator that serious destructive behaviors are forming and it is important to get help to break this cycle as soon as possible. The action you take next will make a huge difference in the life of your child. Excuse the behavior or choose to believe that it is a momentary lapse in judgment and you might be setting your child up for a long history of hidden drinking and abuse. Place too many restrictions on the teenager and you might encourage further rebellion or stunt self-management.

Spencer's Teen Family Program uses professionally trained group leaders who have found that incorporating the family into treatment is extremely effective for everyone involved. This includes treatment of alcohol, drugs, depression, legal problems, communication difficulties and isolation.

Spencer invites you and your teenager to give us a call and spend some time investing in the family. If you suspect your child needs outside help, please do not delay and give us a call today.