Teens and adults alike struggle with the idea of admitting their addiction to their parents. In fact, once in a substance abusive situation, the inclination to hide the problem is usually the dominant feeling.
Fighting an addiction alone is an incredibly hard battle. Having the support of friends, family and your own parents paves the way for greater success.
Establishing a Game Plan
It takes a great deal of courage to talk to your parents about your addiction and to admit that you have a substance abuse problem. This is no easy task, so do not make the mistake of discounting how difficult it may be to actually follow through. Establish a plan of action for yourself, and you might even wish to write down what you want to say or run through it a few times.
Parents are usually much more intuitive than their children give them credit for. Which is to say, they likely have had suspicions of your substance abuse and your admittance of a problem may not come as a total surprise. It does occur, however, that parents are completely unaware of your addiction and reactions can vary accordingly.
Addiction is a tragic situation for all involved in the situation. Parents often manifest disappointment, shock and sometimes anger, so be prepared for these emotions. Try understanding and accepting these initial reactionary feelings, for they will likely cool off or become less stirred up over the course of a couple days.
You might find it helpful to speak to one parent at a time, or start with one and together—as a team—tell the other parent about your addiction. If you are worried that your parents will react very badly, talk to another adult (a local counselor, family member or close friend) and enlist their help in approaching your parents for addiction help
The Importance of Honesty
Because the purpose of talking to your parents about your addiction is to get help, the importance of honesty in this process cannot be overstressed. Simply lay all the cards on the table—the more honest you are, the better your parents will be able to help you in the long run.
- Be open about your drug abuse, how long it has been going on, what substances you have been abusing and what you are addicted to.
- Discuss triggers, negatively influential people and places connected to your substance abuse. Enlist help in staying away from these people and places.
- Discuss treatment plans and solutions that can remedy the problem.
Don’t Fight the Ones on Your Team
While it is true that admittance of a substance abuse problem will likely turn everyone’s emotions on high, avoid fighting your parents’ urge to help you.
Generally speaking, most parents act out of love and try to do what is best for their child. Although your parents might be angry, frustrated and disappointed with you for your addiction, remember that these feelings are based on love.
Rather than overreact or fight against their help, remember it is you that got yourself into this situation. Be grateful for their assistance, love and support. This is a much more responsible way to deal with the situation, and will ensure rapid changes take place.
Talking to your parents is a great way to get on the road to recovery. Seek treatment together as a family, and you’ll accomplish your goals much faster than if you were to go this road alone.
Another good solution is to have a program that you want to do to handle the situation. Narconon Arrowhead offers this through our site or by calling 800-468-6933.
Source: http://www.narconon.org/drug-abuse/addiction-help-guide.pdf