Addiction: A Necessary Conversation for Parents and Children

In general, parents want the best for their children. This means protecting them from anything that could put them in harm’s way. As their children grow older, this list of potential dangers expands to include drugs, alcohol, the risk of addiction and possibility of needing treatment in drug rehab centers that results from such things. 

Drug and alcohol addictions are common problems for youth and adults from Orange County to the East Coast. It is very important for parents to talk to their children about addiction. This can be a difficult topic for many parents from Orange County or small towns to bring up with their children. 

John Mayer, PhD and clinical psychologist emphasizes the importance of parents being honest and open when having a conversation about drug addiction with their child. It is advised that parents hold this conversation in “age-appropriate” ways. For example, talking to a six-year-old about drug rehab centers and withdrawals probably won’t be effective or make sense at that age. 

Young Children

From lively Orange County to mellow areas in the Midwest, it is common for children to hear about drugs or alcohol at an early age. If a family member suffers from addiction and it becomes obvious to the child that something is different or not right, this is a good time to have a discussion with the child to simply explain what is happening (such as how an addiction is affecting a relative’s health).

Elementary and Middle School Students

When children are in their later years of elementary school or junior high, they probably have a better understanding of what addiction really is. Dr. Mayer encourages parents to answer any questions children might have about substance abuse but not to discuss drug rehab centers or the “evils of addiction.” 

Teens and Young Adults 

The Healthy Children website encourages parents to build their child’s self-esteem to potentially lower his or her risk of experimenting with drugs due to peer pressure. Several parenting and health magazines mention the importance of not making major judgments when discussing friends or family members with addiction. After all, if the child ever were to be in that situation, he or she should feel comfortable asking parents for help with overcoming the addiction. 

Although there are drug rehab centers from Orange County to the Big Apple, it is still important for parents to do what they can to prevent the chance of their child developing a drug or alcohol addiction. 

Jordan Lee is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Miramar Recovery Center.