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How to Discuss Addiction and Treatment with Your Teen

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Addiction is painful to endure for the sufferer but also the family and loved ones around them. If you suspect your adolescent child is battling addiction, it is important to do something about it right away.

You want to intervene before it gets out of control. Here are some suggestions you can use to talk to your child and what to do about the addiction.

Research Treatment Options

Fortunately, a lot of research has been done on the study of addiction. Many viable treatment options are available for this disease. Possible treatment options include:

  • Counseling
  • Medical monitoring to help with withdrawals
  • Medication
  • Long-term care (like inpatient rehab Indianapolis or similar in your area) 
  • Follow-ups

Some hospitals and facilities can offer all of these options and more, all in one place. The staff at Clear Recovery Center, for example, is well-equipped to help you find the perfect treatment option for your child, should they need one.

Talk to your Child Early

This isn’t always possible, but talking to your teen about substance abuse before they’ve fallen into any questionable associations with friends is ideal. If substance abuse runs in your family, it is even more important to have this talk early on. This way, your teen is aware of the dangers of substance abuse long before it is a risk or an issue.

Find the Right Moment

If your child is already struggling with substance abuse, it’s important to talk to them about it immediately. A time of low stress and calm is a good moment to start a discussion about this – it’s not something that should be brought up in the heat of an argument.

This is a delicate topic. You’ll need to handle it with patience, love, and kindness. Consider taking your child out for a meal or having a nice dinner at home when broaching the subject.

Remember Addiction Is a Disease

Behavioral and mental health were not always studied as closely as they are now. In the past, substance abuse was seen as a moral failure—something that could be helped by choice. But now, with new research, we have discovered that addiction is actually a disease.

This disease often runs in families. One of the key factors that mark it as a disease is the fact that the addict cannot quit. They will keep using the substance, even when they see the damage it’s doing to their lives.

Offer Help, Not Blame

Because addiction is a disease, you should approach your child from a position of concern and willingness to help. You don’t want to start from a position of blame and accusation. The posture you have when starting this discussion can frame how the whole discussion will play out.

If your teen admits they have tried drugs or alcohol, or they admit to having an addiction, don’t respond with anger. Make sure to listen to your child. Then, answer their questions and be a source of comfort for them during this difficult time.

Final Thoughts

Addiction is a very serious ailment. Children are more exposed to drugs and alcohol than you may think. That’s why it is important to get ahead of the information they get from friends and have an open dialogue with them about this topic early on. If they have already fallen into an addiction, that doesn’t mean that all hope is lost. There are plenty of treatment options available in detox broward county.

Talk to your child about recovery and make it clear to them that you understand how difficult it is. Let them know you only want the best for them. Recovery from addiction is a process that takes the whole family, so make sure your child knows they are loved and supported from all sides.

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