What Every Parent Needs to Know Before Choosing a Detox Facility for Their Teen or Young Adult Child

Dr. Wesley Sassaman, DNP, MSN-NE, MPH, MBA, FNP-C, CARN-AP

When your teen or young adult is battling fentanyl addiction, deciding to seek help is one of the most important steps you can take. But the process of detox can be full of risks if not handled correctly. As a professional with firsthand experience helping patients transition safely from fentanyl to Suboxone, I want to share some critical information to guide you in ensuring your child receives the care they need.

The Risks of Improper Detox

If your child is using 20-50 fentanyl pills or a gram of powder daily, withdrawal isn’t just challenging; it can be completely debilitating. Without the right approach, the excruciating nature of withdrawal will push many to leave treatment against medical advice. Unfortunately, not all detox facilities are equipped to handle high-dose withdrawals with the necessary care.

One of the most common issues I see is the rushed introduction of stabilizing medications like Suboxone. If introduced too quickly, or without adequate comfort medications to ease symptoms like pain, nausea, and agitation, the process can worsen withdrawal or erode trust in the treatment environment. This is why the transition from fentanyl to Suboxone requires a delicate, detailed plan that prioritizes both safety and the patient’s emotional needs.

I’ve worked with teens and young adults, guiding them through this transition in a way that makes them feel secure, valued, and supported. It’s not just about removing fentanyl from their system; it’s about creating a foundation of trust, safety, and hope for recovery.

Ask the Right Questions

As a parent, you are your child’s best advocate. Before choosing a detox facility, it is essential to ask the right questions to ensure they are prepared to handle high-dose fentanyl withdrawals and provide the care your child desperately needs. Here are the key questions to ask:

1. How do you manage high-dose fentanyl withdrawal?

   • Ask about their specific protocols and whether they have experience treating patients with high daily doses of fentanyl.

2. What comfort medications do you provide to ease withdrawal symptoms?

   • Confirm that they prescribe medications to help manage pain, nausea, anxiety, and other challenging symptoms your child may experience.

3. How is Suboxone introduced, and what’s the transition plan?

   • Ensure the facility has a thoughtful, patient-centered process for transitioning your child from fentanyl to Suboxone safely and effectively.

4. What support measures are in place if my child struggles with withdrawal?

   • Find out what happens if withdrawal symptoms become overwhelming or if your child expresses a desire to leave treatment. How do they plan to keep your child safe and engaged?

5. What is the aftercare plan once detox is complete?

   • Understand how the facility prepares your child for the next steps in their recovery, whether it’s therapy, outpatient programs, or residential treatment.

6. How do you ensure a safe and compassionate environment?

   • Ask about staff training, patient-to-staff ratios, and how they promote a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere.

The Importance of Advocacy

Choosing the right detox facility can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face this alone. Armed with the right questions, you can make an informed decision that sets your child up for success. Detox is just the first step in their recovery, and finding a facility that offers a detailed and compassionate plan is key to building a foundation for lasting change.

Commit to advocating for your child’s safety and comfort throughout this process. Ask yourself and the facility the tough questions, educate yourself about the transition from fentanyl to Suboxone, and seek out professionals who understand the complexities of addiction and recovery.

Your child’s life and future are worth the effort. With the right care, support, and trust, recovery is absolutely possible. You’ve got this, and there are professionals out there ready to help guide you every step of the way.

For more evidence-based insights and support, visit wesleysassaman.com. You can also take a deeper dive into this critical topic in my book, I WILL NOT LET FENTANYL TAKE THE LIFE OF MY CHILD, now available on Amazon. Together, we can ensure your child gets the care they deserve.