Does Your Adult Child Have A Drug Problem? Here's What You Can Do To Help
Even though your child may be an adult now, it is not unusual that you feel upset and concerned when you discover their drug addiction. You might frantically be looking for ideas that you can use to help your child get better. However, it's important to focus on the following things so that you don't hurt the other members of your family, alienate them or hinder their recovery.
Avoid Self-Blame
As their parent, you may have overwhelming feelings of guilt about your child's drug problem, no matter how old your child is. You must realize that your child is the person who is responsible for taking the drugs in the first place. When you feel guilty or allow your child to blame you for their difficulties, the focus is not on your child where it belongs. If your child can blame you, they may not fully accept or understand that, because they are responsible for their addiction, they are the only one who can make changes. That can delay their recovery.
Instead, encourage your child to own their problem. If you cannot get over your feelings of guilt, consider seeking therapy on your own.
Set Boundaries if Necessary
You may deeply feel that you'll do anything for your child, even if they are an adult. However, it is important to set boundaries that prevent your child from doing things that affect you, your spouse and your other children. For example, if your child has been stealing from wallets and purses in your home, it is not unreasonable to stop them from coming into your home. Make it clear that you love them, but that you must take steps to protect yourself and the rest of the family.
Provide Help When Possible
Even when boundaries are set, you can look for ways to help your child. If they need food, take a trip to the grocery store and purchase some food staples, for instance.
One of the best things you can do to help your child is to locate possible rehabilitation centers for them. Many drug addicts just don't have the energy or skill to seek out centers that can help them; doing the legwork and finding out about various programs in the area can save your child a lot of time. Not only that, but staff members can help advise you about how to get your child to come in. You might have particular luck with outpatient addiction treatment because your child can still spend their evenings with you and the family. Outpatient programs provide a feeling of freedom that they may feel is lacking from an inpatient program.
Now that you have had some time to think about how you can truly help your adult child in this situation, contact local counselors at outpatient centers near you. They can offer additional guidance that can help you and your child. Contact a business, such as Evergreen Recovery Centers, for more information.
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