Mom To The Rescue: Tips For Dealing With Addicted Children

December 20, 2023 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

In the journey of parenthood, the most difficult challenge to overcome is pulling your kid out of the web of addiction.

Studies indicate that nearly 20% of high school kids have engaged in non-medical use of prescribed drugs, 40% have smoked cigarettes, 50% of them have tried their hands on illegal drugs and almost 70% have consumed alcohol before reaching the legal age.  

As a mother, the news that her child is struggling with addiction can bring pain, confusion and countless other emotions. It can become hard to navigate the path to sobriety while caring for yourself and your family. 

In this article, we’ll explore essential tips that a mother can follow while protecting her child from the claws of addiction. 

1. Educate Yourself

The first thing to do after you learn that your child is suffering from substance abuse is to educate yourself. You can read some articles online, talk to your close ones who might have faced the same problem or go to a professional. 

While learning about addiction, focus on ways to talk to your children about the issue, understand the nature of addiction and strategize how to help your child come out of it. 

2. Open Communication

Communication is the cornerstone of every relationship. While a kid’s tactics and manipulating skills to secure chances of using a substance can frustrate you as a mother, you must sit with them and communicate openly about the dangers of their choices. 

Instead of being aggressive or starting an argument, you should create a safe space for your child to express their feelings. Kids might start to defend themselves if blamed. Hence, you must listen to them calmly and come up with something productive rather than accusing them.  

3. Seek Professional Help

Addiction is a complex issue that requires more than just a worried mother. While dealing with your kid’s addiction, you must seek professional help, as they can provide you with the appropriate recovery solution. 

You can look for addiction specialists, therapists or support groups that specialize in helping individuals and their families overcome the addiction issue. 

Moreover, you can also search for “alcohol detox near me,” as having your kid admitted to a rehab near your home will give you a clearer path toward recovery. Also, it will assure your child that you are there to support them.  

4. Establish boundaries

While love knows no bounds, you must set some boundaries when dealing with addiction. You can start by defining expectations and consequences for destructive behaviors.  

When you establish clear boundaries, your kids will understand what’s expected of them and what can happen if the expectations are not fulfilled. This practice will restore trust and understanding in the relationship.

5. Practice Self-Care

A mother’s world roams around her kids. Any problem with the child and it becomes their own. Say, if the kid is suffering from addiction, a mother would drop and give her kid undivided attention and care. 

Moreover, a mom might start feeling guilty or blame herself for not taking good care of her child. But it is not very wise. You can only be a strong pillar for your child if you take care of yourself first. 

Stressing yourself about the situation can make you depressed and unhealthy. Thus, it becomes crucial to prioritize your well-being. You must engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. 

Conclusion

As a mother, caring for your child is your priority and watching them struggle with addiction can be heart-wrenching. While navigating through such a tough time can be difficult, your love and care can make this journey easy.

Remember, for a smooth recovery, professional help is just as crucial as your support. So, find a suitable place for your child to heal. Meanwhile, it is important to take care of your health as well.