Having a child in recovery brings up many challenging emotions. However, each challenge is also an opportunity to get to know your child better and strengthen the bond between you. Learning how to communicate effectively builds the kind of trust that allows kids and parents to discuss any topic.
Parents may be tempted to let guilt or disappointment stop them from having meaningful conversations with children who have substance use disorders. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for good communication, treatment at a substance abuse center in Galax, VA, may help.
Treatment programs like the one at Sobrius not only provide clients with the support they need to live a healthy life but also offer suggestions on how to talk to kids about substance use.
How to explain addiction to children
If your child is getting or needs treatment for a substance use disorder, you may think you don’t need to know how to talk to your kids about addiction. Therapists play many roles in a recovering child’s life, but they can never fill the role of a parent. Your child still needs and wants your guidance to help them live a healthy life.
The most important point in how to talk to your kids about addiction may be to avoid lecturing. Worry less about how to explain addiction to children and focus more on open, honest conversations.
For example, if your child needs treatment, you can explain to them how treatment works, what types of therapies they’ll be participating in, how long it will last, and what the aftercare plans look like—all without judging or scolding.
You don’t have to be an expert
You don’t have to know everything to have a meaningful conversation about substance use disorders. Look to professional resources for advice and information when it’s needed. A family therapist or doctor can answer many questions. Online resources like the Parents & Educators webpage from the National Institute on Drug Abuse can also help.
If you don’t know how to answer a question, suggest that you and your child find the answer together. A simple gesture like this can show them you are on their team no matter what.
Set a communication goal
A generic question like “How is treatment going?” will most likely receive a generic answer. This doesn’t mean they don’t want to talk to you, but they may not know how to share what they’re experiencing. Having a specific goal for your conversation, even a simple one, will help open a dialogue.
Conversation goals could include:
- Finding out what new coping skills they are learning or have learned in treatment
- Learning how you can best support their recovery
- Strengthening the parent/child bond
- Learn about the reasons they began experimenting with drugs or alcohol
- Check on their mental or physical health
While having a goal can be helpful, it’s also important to let the conversation flow naturally. Flexibility could lead to a more meaningful conversation than the one you’d hoped to have.
Schedule a tour of a substance abuse center in Galax, VA at Sobrius
Are you still wondering how to talk to kids about substance use? You’re not alone. Most parents have a hard time discussing such serious topics. Typically, by the time you realize your teen needs treatment, their behaviors have already escalated, and your relationship may be strained.
Be honest when explaining how a treatment program works or what will be expected of them. Remember, you don’t need to be an expert—that’s what therapists are for. No role is more important than a parent. Sobrius offers comprehensive treatment programs that include support services for the entire family. Contact Sobrius at 888.596.6514 to learn more, or complete our online contact form, and we’ll get back to you.