The line between substance abuse and addiction is very thin. What might start as a simple experiment can lead to months or even years of addiction and self-harm. Unfortunately, substance abuse is quite prevalent among the youth of today, especially teenagers.
According to statistics, about 50% of teenagers have misused some form of drug at least once in their lives.
If you think that your teenage child is under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes, then this article will help you. So, let’s get started!
Have an open conversation
Before you take any step, it’s important to sit down and talk with your teenage child. Unless you understand the root cause of why they started taking substances in the first place, you won’t be able to cure their condition. The important thing here is to avoid lecturing.
If you turn the conversation into a lecture, they will become impatient and stop listening. Instead, ask them how their day has been going and whether they want to share what’s on their mind.
You may even ask your teen’s opinions on substances like drugs and alcohol to understand their views. This will give you a fair idea of how to proceed with the conversation. Ask them if anything in particular bothers them.
Talk to their friends
If you feel that your child will not open up to you, the next best thing is to talk to someone close to them. This can be their school best friend or anyone your child trusts.
If it’s a friend or classmate of the same age, you must be very careful while asking questions. Many times children often start drug abuse when they see their closest friends trying it out.
If you feel that your teen’s friends might have influenced him or her to start drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes, it’s time to talk with their parents or wards. Otherwise, you can also speak to an adult, such as a trusted neighbor or school employee, who might be able to help your child out. Ask them if they have also seen your child indulging in drugs.
Take them to a rehab center
Many parents often find the idea of rehab centers frightening, but a private rehab area might just be the perfect cure for your child. But for this to be effective, you must make an informed decision.
For example, if you’re in or around California, Seasons, a Malibu substance abuse treatment center, is a world-renowned facility that offers therapy and counseling to help people improve their lifestyles.
This center offers every patient luxury living conditions, complete with physical and mental training sessions for a substance-free lifestyle. With over a decade of experience, the professionals here are trained to counsel each patient individually.
When you enroll your teen in a luxurious rehab center, you can be sure that the entire facility will ensure holistic development and post-rehab care.
Take care of yourself
While your teen is struggling with their health, it’s often you, the parent, who will suffer as much as them. Living with someone who is addicted to substances is never an easy task, and it becomes all the more difficult when you see your child going through a dark phase.
However, you must be very strong at this time. This can only happen when you practice self-care and empathy. You might try to fix things and become the ideal parent, but remember, it’s never easy.
Helping your child get out of addiction is a long process that can take years. And if you break down or give up, your child might become worse. Instead of focusing your entire attention on your child’s addiction, continue living your life and doing things that freshen you.
Don’t blame your child
It’s often easy to blame children for things like substance abuse. You might wish to shout at them or even take drastic measures to show them that what they’ve done is wrong.
While your intentions as a parent may be good, your actions might lead them to become even more addicted. Therefore, always take the approach that you need to drive the addiction out of their system. Blame the habits and the circumstances that enabled them, but never the person.
Remember, your child was once completely substance-free until a negative turn of events influenced them. So, try to figure out why they started taking drugs or alcohol instead of blaming them for being a bad child. This will show them that you both are a team and not against each other.
Conclusion
If you feel that your child needs professional help to get rid of harmful substances, don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor or a rehab clinic. Engage in open and mature conversations with your teen at an early age to prevent any mishaps in the future.