Is Your Teen Dealing With An Addiction? 4 Suggestions That Will Help You Help Your Teen
Posted on: 8 August 2017
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If your teen has developed a drug or alcohol addiction, the time to act is now. Hoping that the problem will resolve itself on its own isn't going to work. Your teen needs your help to overcome this addiction, even if they claim they don't need you at all. Don't wait until it's too late. Get help for your teen now. There are addiction recovery programs designed especially for teens. These teen substance abuse treatment programs will help your teen overcome their addiction, and will teach you ways to effectively help your teen. Here are four suggestions that will help you help your teen:
Be Part of the Team
When it comes to helping your teen overcome an addiction, it's important to remember that you're part of a team. The team will consist of healthcare professionals, your teen, their educators, and you. As part of the team, it's important that you take an active role. Your teen may say that they don't need you, but they do. In fact, they're looking to you to help them find their way through this addiction. Your biggest role will be as an advocate for your teen. Be aware of this role, and be prepared to speak up for what your teen needs.
Stay on the Same Page
When your teen is first confronted about their addiction, they may try to fight you on it. They may also try to find ways around the problem. One way is to create a divide between you and their other parent. It's important that both of you work together to remain on the same page; even if you're no longer together. Remaining on the same page regarding your teen's addiction recovery will prevent discord in the family, and will show your teen that you're serious about their recovery.
Avoid Self-Blame
When your teen is dealing with an addiction, it can be easy to try and blame yourself for the problem. However, that's one of the worst things you can do. Self-blame undermines the recovery process by making it unnecessary for your teen to assume personal responsibility for their addiction. If you have issues that you feel responsible for, discuss them a family counselor in private. This will allow you to overcome your feelings, while also ensuring that your teen is encouraged to take ownership of their own addiction and recovery.
Never Resort to Tough Love
When you've reached the end of your rope, you may find it tempting to try resort to tough love. Unfortunately, tough love often has the opposite effect of what you intended. Tough love includes locking your teen out of the house or throwing away their belongings. Those actions may only serve to alienate your child even further and make them feel unwelcome and unloved. If you've reached the end of your rope, talk to an addiction recovery counselor about effective ways to deal with the behaviors that are causing discord in the home.