How To Deal With A Drug-Addicted Son/Daughter?

By Hafsa Hafeez

25 November 2022

 One of the most difficult situations a parent may experience is raising a child who is addicted. Most mothers and fathers are unsure about how to handle a drug-dependent son or a drug-dependent daughter. Regardless of whether your child is a teenager, a young adult, or an adult, addiction destroys the entire family. You might need to take actions that are outside of your comfort zone to help your addicted child.

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How Can Parents Help?

Don't worry about offending them emotionally. Be concerned with preserving their lives, she advises. Addicts require penalties, limitations, and boundaries. That’s why parents must get involved. Parents can act as a motivator to get someone to take a good, hard look at themselves and think about changing.

Educate Yourself

Supporting your child or children requires that you have a thorough understanding of addiction, the difficulties it causes, and the rehabilitation process. Only by becoming knowledgeable about substance misuse and addiction treatment will you be able to assist your child in his or her fight against addiction. 

Avoid Placing Others to Blame

It might be very challenging not to blame your kid. They may feel that the suffering they inflict on themselves and their loved ones is unfair. But it's crucial to understand that alcohol and drugs are potent chemicals. They can take over a person's brain, rewire it, and alter its reward system such that your adult son or daughter's main emphasis shifts to getting and ingesting drugs. 

Be aware that your child's addiction is likely making them feel confined, demoralized, and helpless. Harsh treatment, such as sayings like "I never taught you to behave like this," may make children feel more ashamed and make them defensive and socially alienated. Sons and daughters frequently worry a lot about upsetting their parents.

Instead of placing the blame on them, reassure your child that they can come to you with any concerns and that doing so won't result in negative consequences. This will allow you to determine the severity of their addiction and the type of assistance required. Additionally, it will facilitate the development of trust, which is essential for repairing relationships.

Be Willing To Recognize The Issue

You initially find it hard to believe that your child is abusing drugs. In the beginning, parents are always in denial, according to addiction specialist Mark Levine, LICDC-CS, MAC. It's the emotionally secure course of action. Most parents would rather avoid self-blame than admit there is an issue because that would require them to take responsibility. Although it is natural to want to avoid the subject, becoming aware of the issue will help you learn how to handle a son or daughter who is addicted to drugs.

Make Certain To Engage In Self-Care

As challenging as it can seem, start by putting your oxygen mask on. According to Levine, addiction has a significant impact on family systems. Self-care is essential since family members go through their stages of addiction recovery. Parents must learn long-term coping mechanisms.

In this, there may be individual counseling, support groups, and 12-step organizations like

Alanon. Additionally, having a supportive buddy and a therapist at your side will be beneficial. Couples therapy may help parents while they learn how to manage a drug-dependent son or daughter.

Set appropriate boundaries to prevent enabling

Self-care includes safeguarding your safety and developing the fortitude to tolerate emotional exploitation. But you must also establish limits for the benefit of your child. Parental control over boundaries can take many different forms, according to Hearn. "Borders shouldn't be feared. Parents must set an example of structure and responsibility for their children. Don't, for instance, give them money, she advises: "And believe in yourself."

Consider these boundaries as well:

  • If they want you to purchase them anything, go to the store with them.
  • Purchasing gift cards is preferable to paying cash.
  • Don't let them hang around with friends who abuse drugs.
  • Take the automobile away.
  • Install programs that let you follow their whereabouts.

Take them out of the situation.

Many people start abusing drugs in their teens and keep doing so, which makes it difficult for them to lead normal lives. Others begin abusing drugs when in high school or as young adults. Try to get your loved one out of the situation as soon as you realize there is a problem, even if it means spending less on tuition or housing.

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