As a parent, even as your child becomes an adult, all you want to do is be there for them naturally. However, what if your child becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol and they have to attend rehab to get better? Should a parent help their adult child while they are attending rehab? Some parents may believe that if their child is in rehab that they should handle the problem for themselves because he or she was the one that made the choices to get to that point. However, a parent should be helping their adult child with going to rehab. Getting rid of an addiction is not an easy task and your child needs your support now than ever. Be sure that you are there for him or her but without coddling or controlling him or her in the process. If you are encouraging your child to attend a rehab program, do not force it on him or her. Rather, attempt to discuss the benefits of attending so that he or she can get better with medical and emotional assistance from licensed professionals that know how to handle an addicted person’s mindset.
10 Ways to Help Your Adult Child as He or She Attends Rehab
Here are 10 ways to help your adult child through their rehabilitation experience from drug or alcohol addiction.
- Do not smoke or drink around your child when they come to visit you.
- Encourage your child to stay on the right track. Saying kind and encouraging statements like “You can do it” or “I believe in you” will affirm your adult child that you have faith in them to turn around his or her life.
- Empower him or her to be able to help themselves. If they are having trouble with bills or emotions or anything else, walk him or her through by asking questions and making suggestions without passing judgment.
- Keep them on task to recovery. Ask your child how he or she is feeling. Remind them about their upcoming rehab appointments (if they were willing to share those days and times with you).
- Set clear boundaries with your child. Your child can ask you for help within reason. However, if the request is always about money, this could be a red flag that they are contemplating relapsing or may just need help to pay their bills. Whatever the case, even if not related to money, maintain boundaries based on the wants and needs of the parent and child relationship.
- Be sure not to pass judgment. Do not scold your child for their past mistakes repeatedly or throw judgments at them for their current problems while in rehab. Instead, be their guiding voice and a listening ear.
- Offer help when you can your adult, but be sure they are going about their journey mainly independently. If they need a ride to the rehab center for one of their appointments, try to be there for him or her as long as it does not interfere with your work schedule or a prior engagement.
- Ask your child’s rehab center about their family program. They can help you to become more involved in your child’s rehabilitation process.
- If you are a person that has instituted co-dependency in your parenting style, try to relinquish this control. You are now a supportive guide for your child and not the person in charge of their rehabilitation program. Only your child can make the most of rehab.
- Remember that the recovery is not just for your child, but for you and the rest of your family who has had to see your child struggle through addiction. Find ways for yourself to recover from the trauma of your child’s addiction. Talk it out with another trusted family member or friend for your recovery as the parent in the situation. Engage in a new hobby or community activity that helps you learn more about yourself and ways to cope through the recovery process on your end.
Call Us Today!
We are here to help your loved one in rehab and the rest of your family through this trying process at our Houston, TX locations. We have a 24/7 hotline and are always ready to help at any hour of the day. Contact us at 833-364-0736!