As parents, we would do anything for our children, and when they hurt, so do we. If you find yourself in a situation where you have a son or a daughter that is grappling with an addiction, you are most likely on an emotional rollercoaster. Some days, you are angry; other days, scared or even confused. You may question yourself, wonder how this happened to your child, and be trying desperately to figure out the best way to help him or her. It is a very difficult situation to be in, but it isn’t hopeless. There are some things you can do to provide help and support.

Accept The Reality of Addiction and Don’t Ignore It

How to Help your Child With Addiction

Confronting addiction head-on can be very difficult because you likely don’t want to admit that your child has a problem. Addiction is a disease, and like the sickness that it is, ignoring it only allows it to progress and worsen. Try to be proactive by researching what addiction is and how it manifests so you can have a better understanding of what is happening in your child’s life. If you can get a better understanding of what they are using. you will be much better equipped to figure out what type of treatment solutions are available. There are many helpful resources you can use, including the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) or the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is another terrific place to look.

Once you have some background and information, it is important to have the difficult, but necessary conversation with your child about the issue. If you can, do it when they are sober. Calmly and lovingly ask them to take some time to talk with you. Explain how you are feeling and what it is like to watch them struggle with this disease. Most importantly, let them know you are there to support them and you will work with them to recover and heal.

Never Enable

It is common that we feel we are doing our best to help our children, but in reality, we are hurting them by enabling them to continue down a destructive path. Examples would be paying their bills for them or getting them out of the trouble they put themselves in. These actions shield your child from experiencing the ramifications of their decisions. Without having consequences, it is much harder to learn. Creating boundaries about what you will accept and what you won’t like refusing to help them out financially, for example, will be significant in holding them responsible for their choices.

You Are Not Alone

You may feel like you are drowning with the whole process because it is an overwhelming one, for sure. Recovery and sobriety is a team sport. It takes support from family and friends, therapists, and other professionals to help the addict. It also takes support for the close loved ones who are helping the addict get better, heal and cope themselves. The totality of the process is a wearing one on the addict as well as the family. Don’t forget to take care of yourself during everything by sleeping, eating whole foods, and giving yourself time for a release. If you need extra support, there are family programs as well that help those so closely involved with the addict work through the process and stay healthy too.

Recovery Programs

If your child is ready to take the significant step of accepting help, Discovery Place offers a soothing environment with well-rounded programs that support overall healing. If you would like to Learn more about our programs by calling us today at 1-800-725-0922. We are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will work with you and guide you through a successful recovery.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

    Thinking About Rehab?

    Learn More About Our Alternative Residential Recovery Programs

      Alternative Drug & Alcohol Treatment Rehab
    • Admissions
    • About Us
    • Contact
    • Talk to someone about your options

      Talk to someone about your options

      Blue Pig Media