How to Get a Child Off Drugs

It's one of every parent's deepest fears. Many times, the subject is avoided because people just don't know how to deal with it. Other times, it is approached in the wrong way and the abuser delves deeper into the drugs as a form of rebellion. Teens (or even adults) that try and continue to abuse drugs need to be approached carefully. It's not an easy subject to broach and the task of eliminating the drugs is a hard one to say the least.

Instructions

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      Realize that there are many factors or reasons that can be behind the drug abuse. Peer pressure, low self-esteem and illness are all possible reasons. Getting rid of the drugs is a grand idea, but as with any disease or illness, the addiction will come back if you do not address the cause. Talk to you child and find out what's bugging her. She may not want to tell you or she may just plain be afraid to tell you. Don't plan on your child telling you all her innermost thoughts if you don't usually have those kinds of talks. It may take time to gain her trust. If you have a good relationship already established, look for visible signs.

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      Seeing the signs is difficult unless you know what you are looking for. Does your child have many friends? Have her grades fluctuated in any way? Does she seem to have extra money with no way of earning it? What are her eating patterns like? Have her interests changed? What about sleep habits? Is she moody and short with her friends or the rest of the family?

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      Don't accuse. If you want to gain a child's confidence, don't start of accusing him or his friends of doing drugs. You can get that information indirectly. Talk to him. Let them know you care about him. Ask him about some of the changes you have seen. He will be distant. It's a protection mechanism. Don't push. The more you force the issue the more reluctant he will be to talk. You will need to listen to what he says and how he says it. If he says something that sounds off to you, ask him to elaborate.

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      Remember that you will not be able to do anything until he admits he has a problem. If he doesn't think there is anything wrong, you will just have to try and find ways to convince him. Preaching and threatening will do little to help and will probably end up driving him further in the other direction. This is a slow process and you will have to bide your time in some cases.

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      Do some of your own investigating. Most people will eventually let little things slip. Find out where she hangs out and what her friends are into. Have her invite her friends to your house so you can meet them. Get as much information as you can before you confront anyone. Many times the signs are out in the open. Outward appearances may change, as well as moods and behavior.

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      If you find out that things are out of your reach or something you may not be able to handle. Get a counselor involved. Remember that this may entail putting your child in a rehab for a period of time and will not be received with very much enthusiasm. Be prepared for the outburst and the angry emotions. Don't try to handle a situation like this alone. There are AA groups and NA (Narcotics Anonymous) out there to help you. Enlist a qualified professional whenever you feel overwhelmed.

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      Be prepared for hard work. When coming down from drugs, there are side effects and withdrawal symptoms. Shaking, angry outbursts, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea as well as other unpleasant things will last for a few hours to a few days depending on the severity of the addiction. She may beg and plead for you to give her drugs to help. You can't give in. Once again, if this type of situation is too overwhelming for you, seek professional help. Sometimes a hospitalization during the withdrawal is necessary.

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      Be supportive. Let your child know how much you love and care for her and that you are doing all that you can to help her. The angry feelings they relay back to you are after effects of the drugs. Don't take it personally. Being there for her is vital for getting through this. Even if you just stand back and watch over things, she will know you are there. Find ways to let her know how you feel. If she is in rehab she may not be allowed any family contact for a short period of time. Write letters, do what you have to let her know you care about her and that you are there.

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