For parents, it is heartbreaking to see their child struggling with substance abuse. There can be multiple reasons behind the entry of a child into the world of addiction and it becomes the duty of the parents to safeguard the physical and psychological health of a child by taking charge of the situation and resolving to prevent future abuse.
Here are some ways parents can help their children lead sober lives and address underlying issues to prevent them from happening again.
- Having the right perspective to deal with addiction – When parents find out about their child’s addiction problem, they may have a different perspective and not reach a consensus. One might perceive it as a social problem and think that society will have to deal with it. The other might see it as a moral problem. It could also be perceived as a criminal problem if the child abuses an illegal substance. However, the best approach to the problem is to understand that addiction is a disease and, like any other physical ailment, it needs proper diagnosis, management, and aftercare.
- come out of denial – Sometimes, parents are so convinced of their parenting style that they find it hard to believe that their child could fall into an addiction. Living in denial is a recipe for disaster, as much time is wasted and help is denied to those who need it most. It is important to accept the situation and instead of complaining, work to establish support for the child.
- identifying the signs – It is important to look for specific signs of the problem before approaching a child and confronting him. A parent should be careful if the child shows increased irritability, restlessness and mood swings for no apparent reason. If the child is left alone and doesn’t mix much with the family, this could also be a red flag. If the child misses school and classes frequently or loses weight and health, professional support should be sought without delay.
- Heal underlying pain – If a child is abusing drugs, they may be dealing with an underlying problem, which warrants the exclusive attention of the parents. The hidden cause could be parental neglect, family conflicts, a history of abuse in the family, peer pressure, etc. It is important to understand that unless the root cause of the problem is addressed, the problem will continue to recur.
- Spend considerable time with the children. – It is important that parents provide their children with quality time and attention. It is equally important to establish certain rules and instill a sense of discipline and honesty among children. The child should know that if he or she drinks alcohol or takes drugs, certain privileges are required to be withdrawn. Additionally, a parent can also encourage the child to take regular drug tests if she suspects something. The most important thing is to be involved in the children’s lives, to participate in games, to go to the cinema, to cook or any other pleasant activity. Family support at all times is crucial for a child’s development.
- Seeking professional support – Once a parent has established that the child is dealing with an addiction problem, it is imperative to institute help before things get out of hand. They should contact a rehab center, which can cater to the needs of children and treat addiction holistically.
Drug addiction treatment
Parents are role models for their children. Children imitate their parents’ actions and look up to them for love and affection. It is important that parents do not fall into any type of addiction and keep the home environment safe for the little ones. If the addiction problem seems too difficult to handle alone, parents should seek professional help.