Children and Addiction

Right Path Drug Rehab knows how difficult it can be to make the decision to attend treatment at a drug rehab center. We also know how difficult it can be to think about letting your children know. Many individuals who enroll in an addiction treatment program have said that they are unconvinced that their addiction affects their kids. This is often based on the fact that the kids are young, or the individual in question believes he or she has been able to hide the addiction from his or her children. Most of the time, this is not the case. Children are very perceptive and smart. Even if they cannot grasp what an addiction is, they certainly know that things have not been right in the home.

With the youngest of children, the conversation can be as simple as letting them know that the parent is sick and will be away from home getting better. Explaining that the parent is sick helps the child to grasp that the absence has nothing to do with them or their behavior. Young children thrive on routine. While the parent is in treatment, it is important to stick to the daily routine as much as possible, even without that parent in the home.

Oftentimes clients are hesitant to attend treatment because they are concerned about being away from their children for so long. If this is something you are worried about, please remember how important it is to focus on the bigger goal of being a sober parent who will be able to provide greater stability in the long run. Many addiction recovery centers allow children to visit with other adult family members. Talk to your case manager about this. Right Path Drug Rehab focuses on family counseling and preparing the client to integrate back into home life when treatment comes to an end.

When children reach the age of attending middle school, they are usually exposed in school to the risks and consequences of substance abuse. Kids in this age range may not have a great deal of knowledge about the specifics of addiction; however, they can definitely understand when a parent or caregiver is using a substance to the point of impairment. Junior highers and high schoolers are oftentimes encouraged to join in family counseling sessions as well. At this age, they are able to advocate for themselves and explain how the parent’s addiction has affected their life. There can also be a lot of anger and fear involved in these subjects. It is important to address these emotions with a qualified counselor present.
If you or a loved one are seeking an addiction recovery program that incorporates family counseling services throughout treatment, contact our helpful intake coordinators at Right Path Drug Rehab today. They are ready and waiting to speak with you about the vast array of addiction treatment options we offer. If you are concerned about leaving your children for a time, please remember that once you complete the program, you will return home sober, able to provide love and care for the most important people in your life.