Help for Parents of Addicts Hurdling Life’s Obstacles

Battling drug or alcohol addiction can be undoubtedly emotionally challenging for patients both outside and inside of rehab. This is important to keep in mind when someone is battling addiction. Furthermore, everyone around him or her is affected, especially family members.

Being the parent of someone struggling with drug or alcohol dependency can take an enormous emotional toll. Many parents don’t know what to do, what to say, how to be supportive without enabling, etc. These things don’t often come naturally to parents. 

Parents experiencing these feelings and questions may not think of themselves needing therapy because they’re not the ones with drug or alcohol problems. However, parents of children recovering from a substance abuse addiction can greatly benefit from going to therapy. 

Many parents of addicts and patients in rehab often run into the obstacle of enabling and not knowing where the line is drawn. In a CNN interview featuring several mothers of addicts, one woman commented on the subject of enabling saying, “…the enabling isn't just about the addict. Parents need to realize they are enabling themselves and are risking losing everything by thinking they can save their children.” 

A child being admitted into a rehab center can be a very difficult and stressful time for parents. The emotional stress can have several effects on parents’ mental health and even their lifestyles. 

Parents in this situation may experience, anxiety, depression, trauma, antisocial personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and much more. Mental conditions such as aforementioned can make it difficult for parents to keep focus on their careers or other responsibilities. The good news for these parents is that they are not alone. 

When parents are in this difficult, heart-wrenching situation, it is advised that they go to some sort of therapy or counseling session regularly. There are several rehabilitation centers that include therapy services specifically for parents of patients in inpatient or outpatient rehab. 

Parents participating in therapy at holistic drug rehab centers work towards self-growth and learn important life skills all in an effort to overcome emotional stress and be the supportive parents they want to be for their children. 

There are also rehabilitation programs that offer therapy sessions for parents and patients together. This can be the start of mending broken or damaged relationships. Family therapy sessions can often help parents and children understand each better. 

Needless to say, seeking professional help can improve parents’ relationships with their addict children, as well as help themselves cope and carry on with life in a happy manner.

Jordan Lee is a health writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Odyssey House. Follow on Twitter