How to Cope with a Drug Addict Son
Discovering that your son has a problem with drug addiction may present the biggest challenge you will face in your lifetime. Your world is turned upside down as you are flooded with a wide range of emotions. At the same time, you must cope with trying to support someone you love dearly. Here are some suggestions to assist you and your son with how to cope with drug addiction successfully and reclaim a life of sobriety and fulfillment.
If you or a loved one need a safe space to talk about and recover from substance abuse or addiction, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery to learn more about our recovery programs.
Identify How Drugs Have Changed Your Son
The changes that drugs can make in a person’s life are sad, devastating, and very real. However, you can know that by working with professionals, your son can reverse these changes for a happy and healthy life once again. Identifying the common ways drugs change all people can permit you to accept and love your son throughout the process of recovery. The typical changes include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Increased anger
- Disinterest in life
- Becoming overly suspicious
- Secretive
- Seeking isolation
Maintain Open Lines of Communication
Because you are dealing with powerful emotions, you may find it especially difficult to communicate appropriately with your son. Yet, this is essential to the process of recovery for both of you. Here are some strategies to show continued support and compassion when communicating with your son.
- Educate yourself about addiction. The more you understand drug addiction, the easier it will be to view and talk with your son with love and empathy. Education allows you to deal with the facts of addiction rationally instead of emotionally.
- Listen first. The key to any successful communication is listening. Try to listen without interrupting to judge, criticize, or evaluate their words. Your son needs to know that his conversation will remain confidential and free of your judgment.
- Choose your words thoughtfully. When you speak, avoid words that promote condemnation, such as the word “clean.” Using this word communicates that you think their drug addiction makes them “dirty.” Also, avoid using labels to describe them, such as “addict,” which can cause your son to define himself with a single word.
- Speak kindly. Remember the intense struggle your son faces physically, emotionally, and socially. Allow these thoughts to generate sincere, compassionate, and kind words.
Collaborate on a Treatment Strategy
As you educate yourself about drug addiction and keep open lines of communication, you should familiarize yourself with treatment and recovery options. Visit rehab centers such as Myrtle Beach Recovery as here we can guide your son to build the positive habits he needs for a sober, happy, and healthy life.
Discussing this may cause fear and anxiety for your son since he will not know what treatment and recovery involve. However, armed with your knowledge, you can ease these fears as you discuss what he can expect. Once he understands the recovery process and how a treatment facility can help him, you may suggest that you visit the facility together. This lets him meet the staff and become familiar with the people and process of regaining a sober life.
Remain Calm, Positive, and Encouraging
You will undoubtedly feel anything but calm at times, but reacting impulsively and poorly can create tension and be a hindrance to your son’s recovery. On the other hand, your constant positivity and encouragement can propel your son to a drug-free, sober life that is fulfilling and rewarding for you and him.
Consider Myrtle Beach Recovery
Myrtle Beach Recovery offers several recovery options to prepare your son to live a happy and sober life free of drug addiction.
Contact Myrtle Beach Recovery to learn more about our recovery programs.
