It’s hard to watch your child struggle. If your teen is dealing with drug addiction, it will be a long road ahead. That doesn’t mean you should lose hope. Many kids who struggle with drug addiction also recover. Are you wondering how you’ll talk to your child? Here are some pointers to help you navigate the many sensitive conversations ahead.
Don’t Start with Blame
You’re upset. You’re angry. You may say things in the heat of the moment. But that doesn’t mean you should lead with blame. Your child must know that you love and care for them still. Playing the blame game will only get your child’s back up. If your teen is more defensive, it will be harder for you to talk to them.
Know Your Options
What treatment options are available to your child? Which Arizona drug rehab programs can provide the specialized care your teen needs? You’ll find that some programs specialize in teen rehabs. Some have been around for years and looked after adults and teens in recovery. Knowing your options will help you find and choose the best care for your child.
Learn About Risk Factors
Addiction doesn’t happen on its own. There are risk factors. For instance, does anyone have a history of drug abuse in your family? Did a traumatic event happen at home? Teens who find themselves emotionally unable to deal with their feelings may turn to drugs to escape their problems. Learning the motivation and the possible risk factors that aggravated your child’s condition can help you move forward. It can tell you what you need to do to help and what you’ll need to eliminate from your child’s environment to help them recover.
Educate Yourself
Many harmful myths still surround drug addiction. There’s also the stigma. It’s vital that your child don’t feel that sense of stigma from you. Also, many still believe that willpower is enough to prevent addiction. It’s not. Addiction changes the way your brain works. Think of it this way: the drug is hi-jacking your neurons. That’s not something that a little willpower can fix. That’s why your child needs professional help. If you also believe that it’s all a matter of willpower, you may not be fully aware of how damaging that belief can be. The subtext of that thought is: “you’re not working hard enough. If the only thing you need to recover from drug addiction is willpower, you’re not giving this rehab your all.” Don’t say that. It will only damage your teen’s confidence and recovery.
Find Out What Works
There is no single formula for how parents must approach their children struggling with drug addiction. However, there is one thing you need to know: let your child know you care. No matter how big or bad the situation seems, your support will make a huge difference. It can be the difference between recovery and failure. Deal calmly with any outbursts and show that you are willing to stand by them and help them achieve recovery.