How to Address Parental Drug Use

Having a parent addicted to drugs is one of the most difficult and painful things someone can go through. There is never an easy solution to this but here are a few suggestions that can help

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Admitting that your parents have a drug problem is the first step towards healing the family. Realize that this person is out of control, and is affecting your home and your wellbeing.
2. Realize that you cannot control his/her behavior. You are not to blame for your parent's drug use, nor will you be able to force them to stop.
3. Prepare an intervention with the closest people around you. Have people doing the intervention be clear that the person needs help and his/her behavior will not be tolerated, but that they will support the drug abuser if he/she is willing to get help.
4. Be firm in your boundaries. Since you are dealing with a parent's problem, you cannot just take away their money or ground them. Addicts tend to overstep boundaries, lie and manipulate in order to get what they want. Give a clear message that additional steps will be taken if he or she cannot clean himself up.
5. Once the person has undergone treatment and a significant time has passed you can allow the healing to begin. It is important that everyone attend therapy and support groups to help get through this painful process.

Tips & Warnings

• Find information about the different drug treatment facilities and programs in your area.
• Remember that a lot of their behavior is a cause of the drug.
• Love does not mean you sacrifice self respect and a sense of wellbeing.
• Do not give the drug addicted person money.
• Do not believe the lies and manipulations they have to tell.