Parents can struggle with addiction too, and it’s a big problem affecting the entire family.
Parents may feel like they’re alone in their fight against addiction, but that’s not true at all. Experts can guide parents toward recovery to become the best versions of themselves for their kids.
Plus, we’ll share tips on how to help your loved ones who might be dealing with addiction. Let’s dive right in and discover how to conquer addiction, one step at a time.
Key Takeaways
Parents can struggle with addiction too, and it’s a big problem affecting the whole family.
- Working with therapists or counselors can help parents find the best fit for their unique situation.
- Aftercare and support groups are essential for parents in recovery.
- Family plays a strong role in addiction recovery, offering love and peer support to help parents crush challenges and rebuild their lives.
The Haven Detox-New England offers help to parents to find the path to recovery. Call us at (844) 933-4145 and start a healthy journey.
Addiction: What is it?
Addiction is when someone can’t stop doing something, even when it’s causing them problems. This is because addiction changes the physical and chemical functioning of your brain. Addiction can happen to anyone over anything. Some people get addicted to alcohol, drugs, or even video games.
Many factors increase your risk for addiction, including your genetics. Parents with addiction should seek treatment to break the cycle and allow their children to lead healthy lives.
Common Barriers to Treatment
Sometimes, when parents need help for addiction, some things make it hard for them to get the help they need. The most common barriers parents face when seeking addiction treatment:
Stigma Surrounding Addiction and Parenthood
One big problem is the stigma that comes with being a parent who is struggling with addiction. Some people believe parents with addiction issues are not good or might even be harmful to their kids. It can make parents feel ashamed, judged, and scared to ask for help.
But we must remember that addiction is a health issue, not a moral one. We should be kind and understanding to parents trying to improve.
Financial Barriers to Treatment
Another challenge that parents might face when seeking treatment is money. Addiction treatment can be expensive, and not all families can afford it.
Some people might not have health insurance, or their insurance might not cover the cost of treatment. It can be a huge barrier for parents who want help but can’t afford it. It’s essential to find ways to make treatment more affordable and accessible for everyone.
Lack of Social Support
Having friends and family who support you is crucial when dealing with addiction. But sometimes, parents might not have the social support they need.
They might feel alone and like no one understands what they’re going through. It can make it harder for them to seek help and stay committed to their recovery. We all need to be there for struggling parents so they know they’re not alone.
Fear of Losing Custody of Children
One of the scariest things for parents dealing with addiction is the fear of losing their children. They might worry that their kids could be taken away if they admit they have a problem and seek help.
This fear can make parents feel trapped and like they must keep their addiction a secret. But parents need to know that getting help is the best thing they can do for their children. If they can overcome their addiction, they can create a better future for their family.
Parents face many barriers when trying to get help for addiction. But by understanding these challenges, we can work together to make it easier for parents to get the support and treatment they need.
Types of Treatment
Substance use disorder, which includes drug addiction and alcohol abuse, can happen to anyone, even teens, young adults, and parents. It’s essential to understand the treatment options and find information to help.
The Mental Health Services Administration has resources to support young people and parents dealing with substance use. Learning about mental health and its connection to substance use is vital if you’re a young person or a parent.
When parents decide to get help for addiction, they can choose from different treatment programs. Each type of treatment has its unique way of helping people get better. Let’s look at some of the most familiar addiction treatment types.
Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient rehabilitation, called “rehab,” is when people receive treatment at a facility. They live there for a while, usually a few weeks or months, and work with doctors, therapists, and other experts to get better.
This kind of treatment is helpful because it removes them from the things that might worsen their addiction. It also gives them lots of time to focus on their recovery and learn new skills to stay healthy.
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehab is a bit different from inpatient rehab. Instead of living at a treatment center, people visit a clinic or office a few times a week to get help.
They still work with doctors and therapists but can also keep living at home and caring for their families. This type of treatment can be a good choice for parents who need to keep working or taking care of their kids while they get help for their addiction.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Sometimes, doctors can use specific medications to help people with addiction. It is called medication-assisted treatment, or MAT for short.
These medicines can help people feel better and make it easier for them to quit using drugs or alcohol. The most common medications used in MAT are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
These medicines can be helpful, but they’re only suitable for some. Patients need to talk to their doctor to see if MAT might be a good choice for them.
12-Step Programs
Another popular type of treatment is called a 12-Step Program. These programs, like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, help people with addiction by giving them a roadmap to recovery broken down into steps.
These steps help people learn how to live without using drugs or alcohol and provide them with supportive friends going through the same thing. Some parents find 12-Step Programs helpful because they can be flexible and fit around their busy lives.
There are many types of addiction treatment, and each can be helpful. With the right help, parents can overcome addiction and build a more hopeful future for themselves and their families.
Choosing the Right Treatment
When it’s time for a parent to get help for addiction, it’s essential to choose the proper treatment. But how do they know which one is the best fit? Some of the things parents should consider when trying to pick the best treatment for them:
Factors to Consider
There are a bunch of things that parents should think about when they’re looking at different treatments. They should ask themselves questions like, “What kind of addiction do I have?” and “How serious is my addiction?”
They also need to consider their family, job, and daily life. Parents need to pick a treatment that works well with all these different parts of their life so they can succeed in their recovery.
Importance of Personalized Treatment Plans
Every person is different, which means every person’s treatment for addiction should be different too. A personalized treatment plan is made just for a parent based on their needs and goals. It includes therapy, support groups, and even medicine.
A customized treatment plan is vital because it ensures the parent gets the right help for their situation. It also helps them stay focused on their recovery and feel more confident about getting better.
Role of Therapists and Counselors
Therapists and counselors are like superheroes for parents who are dealing with addiction. They’re intelligent and caring and know a lot about how to help people get better.
Therapists and counselors can help patients understand their addiction and determine the treatment best for them. They can also help parents find treatment centers, support groups, and other resources close to home.
Plus, they can be a shoulder to lean on when things get tough. Patients need to work with their therapist or counselor to ensure they choose the best treatment for their needs.
Support for Parents in Recovery
Getting better from addiction is a big deal, but the journey doesn’t end after treatment. Parents need lots of support to stay healthy and keep moving forward. Some ways parents can get help and stay strong in their recovery are:
Importance of Aftercare
Aftercare is a safety net that catches patients and ensures they don’t fall back into their old habits. It might include therapy, support groups, and regular check-ins with a doctor or counselor. A strong aftercare plan is a big part of ensuring parents stay strong in their recovery.
Support Groups for Parents in Recovery
Support groups are like a team of cheerleaders who help patients stay focused on their recovery. These groups are made up of other parents going through the same thing, so they understand what it’s like to struggle with addiction.
Some popular support groups for parents in recovery are Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Al-Anon Family Groups. Being a support group member can help parents feel less alone, share their experiences, and learn from others.
Resources on Creating a Healthy Family Dynamic
When a parent enters recovery for addiction, the whole family must be part of the process. That means creating a healthy family dynamic where everyone feels safe, loved, and supported.
There are lots of resources out there that can help parents and their families build a healthy, happy home life. Some of these resources might include:
- Family therapy: A kind of therapy that helps families work together to solve problems and improve their relationships.
- Parenting classes: Parenting classes can teach parents new skills and strategies to help them be their best mothers and father.
- Books and websites: There are lots of books and websites out there that can help parents learn about addiction, recovery, and healthy family life.
Having support is vital for parents recovering from addiction. By finding the proper aftercare, joining support groups, and using resources to create a healthy family dynamic, parents can stay strong in their recovery and build a cheerier future for themselves and their loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What can parents do for drug abuse?
When parents discover their kid is using drugs, it can be alarming. First, parents should learn about drug abuse and addiction to understand what’s happening.
Then, they should talk to their kid lovingly and supportively without getting angry. Parents can also seek professional help, like a therapist or counselor, to guide them through the process. Finally, they should create a safe and supportive home atmosphere to help their kid get better.
What is the power of family in addiction recovery?
Family is a strong bond that can help parents recover from addiction. When the family works together, they can create a solid and loving support system.
Family members can help each other by talking openly, listening without judgment, and being there for each other. Families can also learn about addiction together and join support groups to get even more vital.
The power of family in addiction recovery is extensive. It can make a big difference in helping parents heal.
How can parents deal with teen substance abuse?
Dealing with teen substance abuse can be tricky, but parents have the power to make a difference. First, they should monitor their teen’s behavior and look for warning signs of drug use.
Then, they should talk to their teen about drug use risks and set clear expectations. Parents should stay calm and supportive if their teen is using drugs.
They can work with their teen, a therapist, or a support group to create a recovery plan. It will help their teen build a healthy, drug-free future.
Find Personalized Help at The Haven Detox-New England
The Haven Detox-New England can help parents dealing with addiction. We have many services to help parents get better and stay strong in their recovery.
At The Haven Detox-New England, we understand that everyone is different and make personalized treatment plans to meet you where you are. We offer detox and methadone-assisted treatment to help you feel better and make quitting drugs or alcohol easier.
We know family is important, so we offer family therapy and resources to help everyone work together and build a healthy, happy home.
So, if you or someone you love needs help with addiction, don’t wait! Call (844) 933-4145 because we are here to help and cheer you every step of the way.
