Getting Drug and Alcohol Treatment for an Adult Child

Parents of adult children with a drug or alcohol addiction can play an important role in helping their child get the necessary support they need to overcome an addiction. From the time drug use is first suspected, up to the point of getting help from an alcohol rehab facility in Texas, a parent plays a crucial role. It can be so difficult to watch your adult child go through an addiction. They become unhealthy and lose their zest for life, which can be heartbreaking to watch. When an addict is your adult child, knowing how best to help is vital. Here are some tips for helping your adult child through an addiction and achieve success.

Stop Enabling Their Behaviors

As a parent, it is your nature to want to protect your children, even your adult children, any way you can. But sometimes what you think of as helping is actually an enabling behavior. It is critical that you recognize and stop these enabling behaviors so you aren’t further fueling your child’s addiction. As soon as they realize that you are no enabling or helping them in any way, they are able to face the reality of their addiction and seek help from an inpatient drug rehab or alcohol rehab facility in Texas. Here is what you should do!

It may be difficult to know what behaviors are enabling and which ones aren’t. The difference in the overall effect a behavior has on your loved one. Enabling behaviors are ones in which you don’t allow your loved ones to experience the consequences of their behaviors because you feel you are protecting them. For instance, calling in sick to work for your adult child because of an addiction problem may be seen as helpful, but is actually enabling them to continue using drugs or alcohol because they know you will be there to pick up the pieces. They see no incentive or value in quitting because you are there to care for them. Giving your adult child money for food or rent is also an enabling behavior. By doing this, you are allowing them to free up other money for use in purchasing drugs. They might not even use the rent money for its intended purpose but instead spend it on drugs or alcohol. Don’t let your relationship with your child become codependent. Feeling an overwhelming need to protect your loved one is natural, but when you act on these feelings, you are only enabling addiction behaviors and reducing the likelihood that your child will seek treatment.

Have a Plan for Discussing Their Addiction

Without a plan for discussing addiction with an adult child, your emotions could get the best of you. Carefully considering what you what to say and what points you want to make will allow you to remain calm. Choose a neutral environment where your loved one won’t feel threatened or overwhelmed. Also, keep in mind that it is best to speak to an addict when they aren’t under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is important that you speak your mind in a non-judgmental way while showing your support. Don’t play the blame game. Share how their addiction is affecting both you, them, and your future together. Initially, an addict will find any excuse to avoid drug or alcohol rehabs, so be prepared with suggestions to guide them in that direction. It can be helpful for them to know that there are many different types of rehab options such as inpatient, outpatient, or even ones that will allow them to bring their children with them. An alcohol rehab facility in Texas has a great treatment program that gives your adult child a foundation for sobriety and a greater chance for success in overcoming addiction.

Professionally-Led Intervention

If you know that your adult child will feel guilty about receiving help from you, their parent, then it might be beneficial to look into a professionally led intervention. An addiction interventionist is highly trained in facilitating discussions between family members, and they can even make arrangements for treatment centers. Protect the relationships you have with your loved one by seeking the help of a professional.

Research Rehab and Treatment Options

Finding the right treatment program for your adult child is crucial. Research a drug or alcohol rehab facility in Texas that will meet the needs of your loved one. They are not one size fits all treatment programs, so seek for one tailored specifically for your child. Having a successful conversation about addiction with your adult child means knowing treatment options so you can successfully navigate this part of the conversation. Don’t let financial concerns get in the way. Many programs are willing to work on a sliding scale or take payments. If your loved one is willing to go to rehab, then find a way to make it happen.

Take Care of Yourself

Dealing with an addict is a draining experience so don’t forget to take care of yourself in the process. Join a support group or seek counseling. If you are taking care of yourself, then you will be better able to help your loved one through an addiction. There are many programs out there that offer support for those with family members suffering from addiction.