Last Updated on December 10, 2019 by Valarie Ward

Timeout, mom and dad! Stop before you start. The chances of a parent having to help their child through addiction are on the rise. Charlotte is among the cities with the fastest growing number of heroin users age 25 and under. What should parents prepare for? And what actions should they avoid when their child is in addiction counseling?

The Face of Addiction

Did you know that today’s average heroin addict is a white suburbanite in their early 20s? Surprised? Don’t be. If there’s one lesson a dangerously addictive drug like heroin can teach us, it’s that labels of ethnicity, religion, class, and even color mean nothing. Demographics are part of statistical analysis, and the data collected over the past 50 years has shown that addiction is an epidemic impacting everyone, regardless of who they are or where come from. In fact, the median age of male heroin users has fluctuated from roughly 16 to 23 years of age.

Youth seem to be the face of heroin addiction, which means addiction treatment will involve parents. Operating with the knowledge that your child is in an addiction battle is hard. You’ve already navigated a rough road to get here, but now that your child is in addiction counseling, how can you help? Some of the best advice we can give you is about what NOT to do:

#1: Don’t Speak for Them

If you’re sitting in on a one-on-one or group counseling session, do just that—sit. You might feel the need to speak for your child. Don’t. It’s crucial for them to find their own voice and express themselves. You might be surprised by what they say, and it’s imperative to be open to it during and after counseling.

#2: Don’t Override the Counselor

Your child will most likely meet with a substance abuse counselor. Trust that this professional knows their stuff. Counselors make major differences in the lives of their clients, but you can hinder the impact they have. Don’t override the counselor by dismissing things you don’t understand or disagree with, and don’t do so in front of your child. If you have concerns, talk privately. It’s important for your child to see their counselor as a professional authority.

#3: Don’t Fight Their Battles

Temptation will be tough. Your child has to find new ways to cope without using. It will take time. They have a road of self-discovery in front of them, and you cannot fight their battles for them. You can support them, but allow them to grow and develop with the aid of their counselor.

#4: Don’t Go Soft

You are a parent. You are your child’s authority. Hold them accountable for their actions. Addiction is a struggle, and they could relapse. Do not go soft. Hold your ground and keep them accountable. It’s the only way to help them overcome the disease.

#5: Don’t Give Up

Relapse is possible for any addict. If your child relapses or struggles longer than you might have anticipated, don’t give up. You are their most influential role model and their biggest cheerleader. Your support is critical to their success. Never give up on them.