Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
If your child is struggling with addiction, it’s likely that you feel frightened, angry, confused, exhausted, and more. Many families spend months trying to understand what is happening before seeking help – and some avoid seeking help at all out of misplaced embarrassment, shame, or guilt. However, it is vital to seek professional help for a struggling child as soon as possible. The good news is that plenty of good treatment options exist and that, with the right help and support, your child can recover and go on to live a long and healthy life. Here, to help you out, are some of your options if your child is struggling with addiction:
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment is often the first option families consider. An affordable private rehab can remove a struggling child from triggers that may be keeping them in addiction, and provide structured treatment, medical support, and therapy in one setting. For some people, residential treatment creates enough distance from everyday distractions to focus fully on recovery.
However, treatment needs vary depending on the person, the substance, the craving-triggers, and more. One person may benefit from inpatient care, but another may be better off with support at home and treatment through outpatient services. A GP, local drug and alcohol service or addiction specialist can help identify appropriate options.
Therapy
Therapy forms part of many addiction treatment programmes. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is commonly used to examine patterns of thinking and behaviour linked to substance use. Other approaches may be useful depending on the individual and the nature of the addiction.
Family therapy is often a good idea for any addiction – but especially addiction in children. Addiction often affects relationships throughout the household, and treatment sometimes involves addressing those issues alongside the addiction itself.
Medication
Medication is used in some forms of addiction treatment. It may be prescribed during detoxification, particularly if withdrawal symptoms could be medically risky. In other situations, medication may be used to reduce cravings or support longer-term recovery.
Remember, any medication should be prescribed and monitored by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Parental Involvement
Parents can and should play a very important role during treatment and recovery. However, learning how to help can be eye-opening for some parents. Supporting a child through addiction does not mean solving every problem on behalf of the child. It may involve attending family therapy sessions, learning more about addiction, providing practical support during treatment, and learning how not to enable an addicted child. This can be difficult at times, but it’s worth it.
Support for Parents
Addiction affects entire families. It’s important to remember that. Many parents spend so much time focusing on their child that they neglect their own wellbeing. Support groups, counselling and family support services can provide a space to discuss concerns with people who understand the situation.
Seeking support for yourself does not take attention away from your child. It recognises that addiction can place significant pressure on everyone involved.
Conclusion
Treatment, therapy, medication and family involvement can all form part of addiction recovery. The most appropriate option depends on the individual circumstances involved. A conversation with a GP, addiction specialist or treatment provider is often the first step in identifying what help is available.
Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
