Last Updated on December 10, 2019 by Valarie Ward

What if your child is struggling with addiction? How do you as a parent help? Your instinct is to fix it. If you could snap your fingers and erase it, you would. But that’s not how life works. Actions generate consequences, and sometimes they hurt. Substance abuse often leads to addiction, and if you’re a parent with a teen or pre-teen that’s facing a fight with drugs or alcohol, there are things you can do to help.

#1: Ask Them What They Need

Parents are often told the best way to help a child coping with addiction is to detach and let go because there’s nothing they can do. Wrong. There’s plenty you can do, but you’ll never discover how to be of help without asking your child what they need.

One of the greatest tools in your parental arsenal is a simple four-word question: how can I help? Now, there is a line to be drawn when receiving their answer. For example, giving them money that could easily be spent on more drugs or alcohol is not the answer. Helping them afford and stay in a treatment program, that’s a good idea. Helping them find ways to replace alcohol or drugs, that’s another good idea. But it all starts with finding out what they feel they need. Do not enable them.

#2: Be There

Whether you realize it or not, you have been and will always be your child’s best role model. They’ve looked up to you from day one. Never underestimate the power of being there.

Addiction isn’t a solo battle. It takes a team effort to win, and you can work with your child. Be there when they need you. Reach out to let them so they know you’re just a phone call, text, or drive away. Let them know that you’ll be there when they need it and keep your word. Promises kept during this turbulent time are some of the most important.

#3: Elevate Them

No one likes to feel like a failure, and one of the deepest fears of humanity is to feel inadequate. We all make mistakes. What counts is recovery. Highlight this reality to your child. Elevate them whenever possible. As they navigate the path to recovery, it’s important to help them reestablish their self-worth, self-value, and self-esteem. They are capable of greatness, and the fact that they’re struggling with an addiction does not change that; it just presents a new struggle, an obstacle that can be overcome.

#4: Seek Qualified Help

Drugs and alcohol are potent substances. The physical and psychological holds they assert on a person can be powerful beyond words. One of the most important steps you can take is to seek qualified help from a reputable treatment facility.

Absolute Advocacy has helped hundreds of local people recover from substance abuse and addiction. We specialize in helping people. If you need help getting your pre-teen or teen back on track, give us a call. We can help you find exactly what you, and most importantly your child, need!