7 Tips on How to Discuss a Child’s Drug Addiction with Your Other Children

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7 Tips on How to Discuss a Child’s Drug Addiction with Your Other Children – drugfree.org

Blogger Carole Bennett, MA is author of the book “Reclaim Your Life – You and the Alcohol/Addict” (www.reclaimyourlifebook.com) and the founder of Family Recovery Solutions, a counseling center for family and friends of loved ones with a drug or alcohol problem.

Substance abuse within a family is a devastating, gut-wrenching problem.  It can tear at the very fiber of even the strongest family 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How do responsible parents communicate with their other healthy, children about the disease that has infected their other sibling?  Confusion, uncertainty and insecurity abounds for children who don’t understand why their brother or sister is sleeping all day, acting crazy, looking funny and no longer participate with the family.

I believe that being honest and open to your child/children about their sibling’s substance abuse issues is respectful and fair.  Don’t forget that children are very intuitive and if they see their parents speaking in hushed tones when it comes to their sibling or witness an emotional and/or physical change they will realize something is up.

Here are seven tips for parents on how to begin a conversation about substance abuse in the family:

1.) Pick an easy, comfortable time to chat with your kids.  Maybe a picnic in the park or a meal at their favorite restaurant is a good backdrop.

2.) Though it is a big deal, don’t make it so in the conversation.   Parents should be able to tell the truth in a way that children are able to understand and prepare themselves for the changes that will happen in the family. For many kids, routine helps them feel safe. So if life becomes unpredictable, they will need help adjusting to the changes.

3.) Ask the kids if they are worried or concerned about what’s going on within the family. If they don’t come forth, leave it.  Simply say that if they are confused, scared or upset about anything that they see or hear you are there for them anytime.

4.) If there have been volatile arguments within the family let the children know that they have nothing to do with the fighting and that you are sorry that they had to witness these outbreaks

5.) The children should be told that regardless of what’s happening with their sibling that he/she loves them and again, they are not responsible.

6.) If the children are aware that there is something wrong with their brother or sister, it is open, honest and healthy to tell them that he/she is sick at the moment and that Mom and Dad are doing everything they can to help him/her get well.

7.) If your child/children are teenagers, please consider Al-Ateen – a group of teens sharing their confusion, anger, etc… with each other regarding substance abuse issues with other teenagers. Or, private counseling is always an option as well.

Whether your child is in grade school or college, the discussion about their sibling’s substance abuse issues is difficult, but it is the responsible parent that realizes the importance of an honest, open communication with all family members.

 


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The Have I Got A Problem website is a free online resource to help people better understand any issues or concerns they may have about mental health or addiction. The website includes resources specifically focused to; general Mental Health, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insecurities, Self-harm Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Anger Management, Eating Disorders, Coping, general Addiction, Alcohol, Smoking, Gambling, Drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana (Cannabis) Ecstasy, PCP, Mephedrone, Ketamine & Crystal Meth.

The site was created to give the public information to help them understand mental health and addiction issues and to assist people in making better informed decisions about their life and personal choices.

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