Child Struggling? Addiction Recovery is Tough on Your Own. Be A Dad. |
Posted: May 11, 2017 |
Being a father is a tough enough job in a world where parenting has changed so drastically in the past few decades. It’s even more difficult when your child suffers from addiction. Many fathers want to believe their kids are going through a phase, and it takes longer than necessary to realize there might be a more serious problem at hand. When kids begin to withdraw, develop an attitude, and distance themselves from their friends and family, another problem might be at play. Drug or alcohol addiction can occur to children and teens, and learning how to help your child overcome addiction is heartbreaking but necessary. Learn to Recognize the Signs Is your child suddenly disinterested in things they once loved? Is he or she suddenly withdrawn, distant, and no longer spending quality time with friends or family? The signs are small at first, but they grow rapidly over time as addiction worsens. -They have new friends and don’t associate with old friends suddenly -Academic performance suffers -Getting into trouble at school -Getting into trouble with the law -Sudden sleeping habit changes -Sudden eating habit changes -Skipping school -Sudden disinterest in basic hygiene Kids who go through addiction tend to make changes to their lives at a rapid pace. While these signs aren’t always indicative of a drug or alcohol addiction, they are common. What Not To Do Parenting a child with an addiction problem is difficult enough, but it can become worse when you take the wrong actions. While your job as a father is to help your child through their issues, you must know which actions aren’t helpful. The first is your reaction. When you react poorly and demand your child quit using drugs or alcohol, little effect is had. In your mind, you believe this is all it takes, but it’s not. Addiction is not easily overcome, particularly when a child must deal without professional help. Remain calm, do not kick your child out of the house, and do not place blame on your spouse or your child’s other parent. Do let your child know you love him or her, and let them know you are here for them to seek help every step of the process. Finding Treatment Options Once you’re ready to be the kind of dad your child needs, it’s time to call the doctor. Your child’s primary care physician might not be neither qualified or willing to do a drug screening on your child, but they can refer you to a doctor who can. Much like you’d search for car insurance quotes or the best rates for your mortgage, you should search for the best possible doctor for your child. Once your child’s doctor determines the extent of the addiction from which your child suffers, he or she will recommend several rehab center options for your family. Now it’s up to you and your child to find a program that’s workable for all involved. There are inpatient and outpatient treatments, there’s detox with and without medical assistance, and there are numerous forms of therapy available for your young addict. You and your child must both be comfortable with the treatment center you choose, and you must both be willing to stick to the program. It’s long, it’s arduous, and it’s going to disrupt every aspect of both your lives. Be there for your child, and let them know you won’t stop loving and supporting them through this process.
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