In this guide, we will go over some of the ways in which you can recognise if your parent has a problem with addiction and how to help your parent move forward.
It can be very difficult for you to confront your parent about their addiction when they are an authority figure to you. However, there are several things that can make this a much easier process for you.
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Does My Parent Have an Addiction?
There are several signs of substance abuse that you can look out for to determine if your parent is struggling with an addiction. These are listed below:
- Taking substances for long periods of time or in large amounts
- Being unable to cut down or stop using substances despite wanting to
- Spending a lot of time trying to obtain substances
- Spending a lot of time taking the substances or recovering from the effects of substances
- Experiencing intense cravings for the substances
- Failing to fulfil obligations at home or work due to substances
- Continuing the substance abuse despite social and relationship problems that are becoming worse
- Giving up on hobbies, social, occupational, or recreational activities due to substance use
- Using substances in risky situations
- Continuing the substance abuse despite having physical or mental health problems that are becoming worse
- Developing a tolerance for the substances
- Feeling withdrawal effects when the substance abuse is decreased or stopped
- If you notice any of the above signs in your parent, this is a sign that they may have an addiction to a substance and it’s time for them to get help.
If you suspect your parent does have a problem, you will need to try and approach them regarding visiting an alcohol rehab or drug rehabilitation clinic.
Talking to Your Parent About Their Addiction Problems
You can’t ever force someone to make changes. You can’t force your parent to stop or reduce their substance use and you can’t ever force them into rehab. It’s also sometimes impossible to make them see that they have an addiction. The best thing that you can do for your parent is to bring it to their attention that you have noticed that they may have a problem with their substance use.
If you are at all concerned that your parent may have a problem with an addiction, you may be very scared or nervous to bring it up with them. You may be afraid that they might get angry at you, shout at you, or become violent. You may think that they might make a scene in front of other people and embarrass you. Or you may be worried that they might move out or start hiding their addiction from you more.
These are all things that have happened to people in the past but that doesn’t mean that they have to happen to you. It’s important to remember that this conversation is essential. This conversation will definitely outweigh the consequences that are coming with the addiction itself.
Below is a list of tips that may help you have a healthy conversation and get a good outcome in the conversation with your parent:
- Keep in mind that the point of the conversation is to convince your parent that you are concerned about the fact that they might have a problem rather than convincing them that they are an addict
- Avoid initiating the conversation when your parent is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Avoid initiating the conversation when you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Start the conversation by informing them that you’re doing this because you care about them
- Unless violence is a problem, try to have this conversation on a one-to-one basis
- Continue to emphasise that you are having this conversation with them because you are concerned about their health and well being
- Always come from a perspective of yourself rather than a general perspective
- List some behaviours and incidents in which you observed them and express why these things concern you
- If you feel like it may be a benefit to the conversation, discuss how their behaviours have hurt you or otherwise impacted you
- Ensure that the discussion is a two-way conversation so that they don’t feel like they’re being cornered
- Ask them open-ended questions to encourage them to take part in the conversation
- Stay on the main point of the conversation
- Avoid becoming sidetracked or distracted
- If your parent denies that they have a substance abuse problem, get them to agree to have another conversation about this in the future
What Can You Do When Your Parent Has An Addiction?
It’s important to remember that you can’t cure your parent’s addiction. Below is a list of things you can do:
- Communicate your thoughts and feelings with your loved one to let them know how their addiction is affecting you and how it makes you feel when they live this way
- Let them know that you are there to support them and that you want to support them in getting well
- Inform them of the treatment options available and let them know that you will support them on this journey
- Educate yourself about their addiction problems and the rehab treatments available
- Be sure to take care of yourself and make healthy life choices for yourself
Find Out More About Rehab Treatments
If your parent is struggling with an addiction, you may be wondering about some of the treatment options that may be available to help them. If so, give us a call today.
Our team of addiction professionals are here to help you learn more about addiction treatments. Our team can also help to give you some further advice on how to approach your loved ones in a conversation about their problems. Get in touch now for more information on this.
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