Do you suspect that your teenage child is addicted to drugs or alcohol? Or do you think your child’s experimentation could soon develop into abuse and dependence? Maybe you yourself have been addicted in the past, or some other family member has been down that road. Whatever your concerns about addiction are, your teen may need to know about it. Talk to your teen about addiction with the help of these tips.
Image source: www.asianscientist.com
Here are some helpful tips on how you can talk to your teen about addiction.
How to talk to your teen about addiction
1. Remember this. Addiction is a disease, not a problem of will power or a moral failing. Don’t blame your upbringing or other people, especially yourself, for your teen’s addiction.
2. Be honest. Tell your teen what you are seeing that is happening to them, how they have changed, and what you feel. Let them know how it is affecting you and your family.
3. Avoid blame and judgment. Ever get near being judgmental, condemning, and blaming and you will lose your teen. They will not listen to whatever else you have to say, even if what you’re saying is right. Keep the conversation two-way. Stop to also listen to what they have to say.
4. Be informed. Find out what there is to know about addiction, especially the kind of addiction your teen has. Get to know what your options are in terms of treatment and recovery, so you can bring it up when the time is right.
5. Be patient. Don’t expect your conversation to go as planned or the way you want it to be. This is not an easy conversation to have with your teen. Even if you get ignored or get an unfavorable response the first time, give it a break, and go at it with a different approach next time.
6.It can get off track. Your teen may be undergoing not only hormonal changes, but drug induced chemical changes that affects their brain and behavior. Your conversation may not go the way you want it, so it helps to be focused on your own key message.
7. Pick a place and time. Make sure that you choose a private, safe place for the conversation to happen, away from distractions. Ensure that it is also private enough so your teen will not be embarrassed or even judged by others.
Recent Comments