How to Help Your Addicted Son or Daughter Enter Detox Treatment

Posted by Tony Bylsma on February 1, 2011 under How to Help a Drug Addict | 2 Comments to Read

If you have an addicted son or and addicted daughter, you know that drug abuse has as one of its component parts a lowering of awareness. They are not aware of the changes drugs are creating in them. Everyone else sees these changes, but the drug abuser seldom can. So approaching them with the intention of helping them stop using drugs is tricky. Here are a few points to keep in mind:

Do not become angry.

Anger and heated words make further communication more difficult. A nasty argument can set the whole process back weeks. If you confront the user regarding their drug use and it doesn’t result in immediate changes in behavior or a trip to treatment, don’t feel you have failed. Many times the initial attempt or even the first few attempts to intervene are not successful.

Make it clear that the goal is their health and safety.

Your concern for their well-being must be obvious. Drug users and abusers are nearly always quick to be defensive when the subject of drug use comes up and you must keep the focus on the problem. Don’t let the subject turn to, “You don’t trust me!” or, “Stop interfering in my life!” This is only a mechanism to take the attention off themselves, keep the focus calmly on the actual problem, the drug abuse.

You and they are on the same side in this battle. The struggle must be you and your child against the drugs; it is not your child against you.

Point out the signs of abuse you’ve seen.

If there have been arrests or expulsions from school or some such episodes, bring them up. Also be prepared with information regarding the drugs they’re on and have solid facts ready to show what the dangers are. Be sure your information is factual, and use it.

Persist.

Keep in mind that your son or daughter is in a very dangerous position. Deaths from drug overdoses or deadly combinations of drugs is all too common. Simple experimentation can be deadly. This means that it is imperative that you act as soon as possible to help the user come the realization that rapid help is essential.

When you do arrive at agreements, be ready to take the appropriate action. This will be some form of treatment program. Be sure to take the problem seriously and don’t skimp. Get the best long-term drug addiction treatment program you can afford and get them in it NOW.

Drug abuse and addiction are curable, despite reports to the contrary. Millions of people have defeated their addiction to drugs or alcohol and remain clean for life. But time is of the essence, waiting can be deadly.