We all want our children to be happy in life. However, not all children make the best decisions in life. Making mistake sis part of the process of growing up, but some mistakes can cause some very real consequences. If you suspect your daughter has a problem with drugs or alcohol, you need to take action. However, you also need to tread lightly. If you aren’t sure how to approach the topic, here are some suggestions for how to talk to your daughter about receiving drug treatment.
1. Pick the right time
People suffering from addiction are likely emotionally unstable. If they feel attacked about their problem, they may not take to the conversation about recovery very well. You need to find the right time when they aren’t especially anxious or depressed. At the same time, you don’t want to bring them down when they are feeling good. Pick a particularly calm time when you aren’t rushed. You need plenty of time in case the conversation turns into a long heart-to-heart.
2. Listen
You are going to be tempted to talk throughout the entire conversation, but it’s important to stop and listen. This isn’t always easy with teenagers, so if your daughter starts to open up, lend an open ear. Resist the urge to talk over your child. Stay quiet and hear everything that your child has to say. It may help you to understand your child and their behavior a little better. When you understand, you may be able to get them the help they need.
3. Come from a non-accusatory place
Young addicts tend to do inappropriate things while under the influence. They may break rules or stop trying in school. They may talk back a bit. In some cases, they may even steal or get in trouble with the law. You need to look past this bad behavior during this conversation. If you think of the bad things your child has done, you may find yourself getting angry or frustrated. This will only prevent the conversation from being successful. Forget about the past and focus on the future.
4. Be firm
You need to establish boundaries and rules for your child. Just because you want to be as understanding as possible doesn’t mean you should let your daughter get away with murder. While loving, you also want to be firm. If you do need to address disciplinary issues, do it at a later time. However, you may want to explain that looking for help could seriously affect the level of punishment she receives. This will help encourage positive behavior. You can talk about punishment after she gets back from a treatment center.
5. Be understanding and supportive
It can be difficult to go through addiction. Many young people turn to drugs or alcohol to deal with childhood trauma, social issues, or mental disorders. You should be sympathetic to their experiences. If you attack the addiction at the root of the problem, you will be more likely to find a permanent solution. Try to understand your child’s pain. Look for alternative ways to address the pain. Many people turn to art or therapy. Whatever can help your daughter express herself and make herself feel better is the best answer.
6. Offer solutions
Ultimately, you need to have solutions to offer your daughter. First, you need to look into rehab options. If you want your daughter to be more receptive of the idea, provide a couple options for her to choose from. This will help make her feel in control of her own recovery. It’s always better when someone feels like they have a choice. Most recoveries are in-patient. This means weeks or months in a medical facility. However, you may also chose out-patient. Out-patient treatment is intensive therapy, but your daughter will be able to come home at night. They may even be able to fulfill some obligations they wouldn’t be able to do in in-patient. Don’t forget to plan for treatment after the initial rehab, too. It’s important to continue therapy or have your daughter go to meetings.
No one is beyond salvation. Some people just need some love and understanding as they find their way. Don’t give up on your daughter. Instead, put in the effort to talk to her. These tips should help make the conversation a success. Ideally, she’ll go to treatment and turn her life around. It happens, and she can do it. Call us today at 833-820-2922.