Children find it difficult to cope with the fact that their parent is addicted to drugs. Adults tend to shield children from the truth about addiction and recovery in Raleigh, but talking to them about it is the best way to allow them to cope. When children are spoken to properly, their fears can be brought down and assurances will be provided that no matter what disruptions they experience in their families, they will always be valued and loved. Typically, the other parent is responsible for sharing the story of an addicted parent with the child. In single-parent families, an aunt, uncle, or close family friend is probably the best person to talk to about this topic. Studies consistently show that children with a dependent parent are more likely to have behavioral problems or lower academic achievement. Anyone wanting to begin the conversation needs to understand how challenging drug abuse recovery in Raleigh, NC can be for children growing up in addictive homes.
Communication is crucial to mitigating upheaval in children’s lives, minimizing the likelihood of long-term negative consequences. Experiencing addiction directly is a risk factor for addiction in children. Frequently communicating with children who have experienced addiction is important to minimize the likelihood of long-term negative consequences.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, during the 2009-2013 period, roughly 233,000 people over the age of 12 abused illegal drugs.
Adapt The Conversation To Their Age:
To make your message understood by a 6-year-old, you need to tell him or her that their mom or dad has an illness and that the family needs help. You may just have to explain that mom or dad needs help to get better. If they are tweens and teens, you can be more specific and direct that one of their parents have a substance abuse problem. Regardless of the age of the child, make it clear that they are not responsible for their dependency.
When the parent’s addiction results in outbursts of anger, sulking, or neglect, make it clear to them that they had nothing to do with the behavior and as such should not be held responsible for what happened. The parent still loves them, but their behavior needs to be controlled better so they can be the responsible parent they deserve.
Answer the Questions of the Child:
When young children ask questions, most are self-centered; for instance: Why does dad not play with me or take me to school anymore? Why he will not take me to school? Try answering these questions as honestly as you can while explaining how you and others will meet their needs until Dad can respond.
The condition and outcome of their children are of particular concern for parents with older children. Why cannot mom stop drinking? Why is she forced to go to rehab? For how long will she stay there? Why cannot she get better at home? You should answer these questions honestly as they arise, and establish a clear and comfortable line of conversation with them.
Let Them Know There is a Plan for Their Future:
Reassuring your children that steps are being taken to improve the situation is important. If your dad has committed to drug abuse recovery in Raleigh, NC, that milestone can be important for your children to understand.
The father can interact with the children after going through a full recovery. The children will then be able to see first-hand how much the father is improving, which will allow them to have more positive interactions, thereby dispelling any trauma they may have experienced due to the addiction.
Seek Help and Support:
You should consult a counselor or therapist if you are unsure how to approach your children about whether their parents are dependent or not. Also, you should look for books that your children can read about what it means to have a dependent parent. Joining a support group is another option. What may result in the most effective strategy is to discuss in the support groups on how to approach the children and make productive interactions.
Call Us for Drug Abuse Recovery in Raleigh, NC:
Our admissions counselors are trained to customize a treatment for drug abuse recovery in Raleigh, NC based on your needs. If you are concerned about your loved one’s addiction, call us to discuss how we can help them. The qualified staff at our recovery centers is going to provide everything you need in order to achieve a full recovery.
