You may never have imagined being in a situation like this. Over the years your child went from having a few behavioral issues to facing a full on crisis. Ever since that turn you have both been locked in a struggle that seems never ending. They don’t just rebel against you, but seem to instead be against the entire world. What can be done?
Looking at the facts doesn’t help alleviate parental anxiety. A study found in 2012 that 75% of teens had drank alcohol before, and almost half of those had drank within seven days of the survey. More teens are killed by prescription drug abuse than street drugs combined. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in those ages 10 - 24. Every 2 out of 5 gang members are under 18 years of age. The risks to your child are real, and if they are showing signs of being associated with at risk behavior, they could be on a steep slope to the bottom faster than you can catch them.
Looking at these statistics, military schools in Iowa for troubled teens, one of a handful of states to offer them, might feel like your last hope. The aim of these institutions is to instill discipline, develop character, and prepare students for future success, both academically and personally. When students begin their journey at military schools, they start to develop structure, responsibility, and a more focused approach to their daily routines and personal growth. Military education has a long history, with roots tracing back to ancient civilizations like Sparta and Rome, emphasizing leadership and societal development. But is it the right decision? And if not, what else can be done? Choosing military schools may offer the advantage of a structured environment and a competitive edge in college admissions and life skills compared to other options.
Why Parents Should Consider Rehabilitation Programs For Troubled Teens
There is no denying the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs aimed at teenagers. Studies have found inpatient residential treatments centers to be an effective means of curbing dangerous behavior, such as substance abuse and related problems. Not only that, but there have been noted improvements for teens who were placed in long-term (12 month) treatment centers, as opposed to shorter stays.
Additional benefits also exist. For one thing, they provide parents with a break from the constant fighting and worrying that has been plaguing their life. You love your child, but these difficulties take a toll on the emotional and mental health of everyone involved, including your family. Having your teen somewhere that you know they are being treated, monitored and taught can be a relief.
For your teenager, being in a stable environment with professionals who know how to manage their symptoms and behaviors is a great way to give them the safe feeling they need to heal and grow, which is why many families look beyond local options like boot camps in Maryland for troubled teens to more therapeutic settings. They will be learning alongside peers who have struggled with many of the same issues, making them feel less alone, less judged, and more supported, similar to what is emphasized in alternatives to boot camps in Oregon for troubled teens. All in a location where they will be forced to address the core reasons behind their behavior, and learn a better way to cope, much like the therapeutic alternatives to boot camps in Washington for troubled teens.
You may feel that all of this points to a military school in Iowa being the best option. But you may want to consider your options first, including residential treatment programs as alternatives to military schools.
Why Military Schools In Iowa May Not Be The Best Option For Your Struggling Teen Boy
It is true that military schools in Iowa for troubled teens are highly secure, disciplined, and require cadets to follow a strict code of conduct. These institutions place a strong emphasis on respect for authority, and cadets who do not respect authority are often asked to leave. Military schools will also prepare cadets for a future career in the military, if that is something they are interested in. However, it does not provide the kind of benefits your teenager may very well be needing.
Military institutions are likely not the solution if your child is suffering from:
- Depression
- Suicidal idealization
- Self harm
- Anger management problems and rage
- Violent outbursts
- Truancy
- Sexual acting out
- Criminal behaviors such as vandalism or theft
- Mental or personality disorders
- Substance abuse
- Trauma
Any number of underlying problems could be causing these behaviors. A military school is not equipped to get to the bottom of them, and so treat them. Instead, boot camp style therapeutic programs for troubled teens from Iowa or a therapeutic boarding school or residential treatment center may be the better alternative.
Therapeutic boarding schools and residential treatment centers are specialized institutions similar to inpatient rehabilitation centers. However, instead of being focused on hospital intervention, they have a mix of therapy and academic interventions set within the environment of a boarding school.
Your teen will take part in equal measures of therapy in group and individual settings, while working with academic advisers, tutors and teachers to improve their grades and prepare them for the future. If your teen has been struggling with maintaining their GPA, or has even been held back a grade, this can get them back to the level they need to succeed.
Some programs will offer additional features, such as equestrian training, outdoor activities, sports, or art classes. These extracurricular activities are tied in with your teens therapy, and used as coping mechanisms, and tools to teach them patience, empathy, and other crucial life skills.
What Liahona Academy Can Offer Your Troubled Teen Boy From Iowa
It isn't hard to see why therapeutic boarding schools or residential treatment centers are the better option. As seen with military schools in California for troubled teens, military schools in Iowa for troubled teens may be effective in figuratively beating certain behaviors out of your child...for a time. But long-term success rates aren't high, and the reason is that they fail to keep in mind the reasons behind their behavior, and correct them at their source. In some cases these schools can make the problem significantly worse, as seen with military schools for troubled teens in Idaho, as their staff is not equipped to understand the need for therapy and potentially medical intervention.
Many parents are now choosing Liahona Academy for their struggling teenage sons, including those first considering military schools in Indiana for troubled teens. It is one of the few residential treatment centers in the country, offering a combination of therapy and academic advising to help teenage boys establish a strong foundation for their futures, much like it does for families exploring options beyond military schools in Oklahoma for troubled teens. For more than fifteen years they have stepped up to the plate and helped families on the brink of disaster pull back from the edge, including those searching for alternatives to military schools in Texas for troubled teens.
You don't have to go through this alone. Residential Treatment Centers like Liahona Academy are the alternative to military schools, boot camps, and hospital programs that don't address all of the surrounding elements to your teens rehabilitation. Let the experts at Liahona Academy help your teen (and your entire family) through this difficult time, so you can come through the other side whole and better than ever.
Cities All Across Iowa Can Receive Help At Liahona Academy, Including (but not limited to):
Des Moines, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque, Ames, Council Bluffs, West Des Moines, Cedar Falls, Sioux City, Fort Dodge, Mason City, Urbandale, Ottumwa, Muscatine, Bettendorf, Coralville, Decorah, Johnston, Carroll, and Elk Horn.
