How to Deal with a Drug Addicted Child

When family members or loved ones abuse drugs, it affects everyone that they know; however the issue can often seem a lot more strained when it is a child who has the addiction.  A child with an addiction can have psychological, emotional, and financial effects on the parents and the people that care about them most, and it can sometimes be hard to know what to do for the best.  If you know that your child has an addiction, you have a long road ahead of you.  However, it will be worth it in the end.  Keep reading for some tips on how to cope with a drug addicted child.

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Educate Yourself

The first thing to do is to educate yourself about the addiction that your child has.  The addiction treatment and rehab programmes available to you will vary depending on the addiction.  Speak to a healthcare professional, or utilise medical based websites.  Try to avoid any sites that are not government or medical based, as it’s not uncommon for them to contain untrustworthy information.  Once you understand more about the addiction, you will be in a better position to help your child.

Seek Professional Help

Many drug addicts have other conditions, such as undiagnosed mental health problems, that could be contributing to the addiction, so it’s always a good idea to seek professional help.  Try to find a hospital or a detox centre that can address all aspects of the care that your child needs.  You may also want to join an anonymous support group, or speak to a counsellor.  Speaking to someone who is aware of the addiction can help you to understand more about it and also help you to cope.  Family therapy sessions, for example, can be of tremendous help to stressed and anxious parents.

Stage an Intervention

Depending on the age of your child, you may want to stage an intervention.  It is always best to use a professional to help with this, as a botched intervention could lead to your child becoming even more addicted as a form of rebellion.  Decide who should be at the intervention, who will lead it, and what you want the outcome to be.  Be prepared for what you will do depending on your child’s response.

Offer Assistance and Support

Offer assistance and support to your child that you know will help them move towards a better life.  However, make sure to look after yourself at the same time, and only do what you are financially and emotionally able to.  If your child isn’t living at home, don’t let your guilt for the situation dictate what you do.  And, if you are worried about any money you provide going towards drugs, instead offer to help pay for food and medicine instead.  For more information you can find support here.

Be prepared to maintain your own personal safety and emotional outlook whilst coping with a drug addicted child.  If you are in a bad situation yourself, you will be unable to help your child.