Discovering drugs in your child’s room can be a frightening and confusing experience, If you have discovered the drugs recently, your mind is likely racing. A revelation like this can completely alter your perception of your child. It’s natural to feel angry, betrayed, or disappointed. Concerns about your child’s well-being, health, and future are enough to leave you feeling completely overwhelmed, but it’s important to take a deep breath, remain calm, and process the situation.
This step-by-step guide aims to provide practical advice for parents who have found drugs hidden in their child’s rooms. Taking the time to make a plan can help you effectively address the situation. Remember that the way you respond can make a significant difference in the way your child responds. Ultimately, the most important thing is to keep your child safe by supporting their well-being and addressing the underlying issues that may have led to drug abuse. By following these steps, you can navigate this difficult situation with care, empathy, and a focus on their health and recovery.
1. Identify the Substance
Finding drugs in your child’s bedroom can be surprising and upsetting, but the first step is to identify the substance you’ve discovered. This can be tricky, especially if it’s disguised or unfamiliar.
Examine the National Institute on Drug Abuse for useful materials, including pictures and explanations of distinct drugs. But remember, some substances can look alike, so don’t jump to conclusions without proper information.
The Importance of Identifying Substances Correctly
Different drugs can cause varying impacts on one’s physical and psychological well-being. Understanding what substance(s) your child is using will inform how at risk they are for immediate health concerns like an overdose.
2. Talk to Your Child
Finding drugs in your kid’s room is like finding a surprise party you didn’t want to attend. Have a talk with your kid about their drug use before you get angry.
The goal here is to understand why they turned to drugs, not to play the blame game. It could be the result of external influence, tension, inquisitiveness, or even a way to handle psychological health issues such as gloominess or unease.
Do some research on how to approach this touchy subject. Remember, communication is key: listen more, talk less, and don’t freak out if they admit to using – show empathy instead.
- Choose the Right Time: Pick a moment when both of you are calm, so things don’t blow up.
- Avoid Judgement: Don’t be all judgy. It’ll just make them defensive and ruin the conversation.
- Show Empathy: Show you care about their well-being, not just their behavior.
Many adolescents who attempt to utilize drugs are not aware of the potential hazards or how quickly it can progress into dependence. So, educate them about the risks using credible sources like NIDA for Teens.
If your teen denies using drugs despite clear evidence or gets hostile, it might be time to call in the pros (more on that later). Remember, early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent long-term harm.
Taking immediate action is crucial. The sooner we address this issue, the better the chances for successful recovery. Early intervention leads to more positive outcomes. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals if needed.
3. Seek Professional Help
Seeking professional help is crucial when dealing with substance abuse. Addiction and substance abuse experts have the knowledge, training, and experience to effectively address the complexities of teen drug abuse in a safe and controlled environment.
Detoxification
When a child or teenager has been using drugs for an extended period of time, or has been using particularly addictive substances, detox or detoxification may become a necessary step in their recovery process. Substances like alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines require professional, medical detoxification because withdrawal from these substances can be very dangerous. Even if your child protests that they are not suffering from full-blown addiction, this medically supervised process helps ensure safety and comfort during the initial stages of recovery. Detox facilities typically staff addiction psychiatrists, nurses, and other medical professionals working around the clock. By undergoing detox, the child can begin their journey towards sobriety with a clear mind and a better foundation for further addiction treatment and support.
Rehabilitation Treatment Centers
After your child, teen, or young adult undergoes the detoxification process, inpatient rehab at a specialized treatment center is typically the next step in recovery. Treatment centers offer a structured and supportive environment that caters specifically to the needs of individuals struggling with substance use. The teenage brain, still in a critical phase of development, requires comprehensive care to address the root causes of addiction. Inpatient rehab provides a space where professionals can delve deeper into the underlying factors contributing to the addiction and work with the child to develop coping mechanisms and strategies for long-term sobriety. The immersive nature of inpatient rehab ensures round-the-clock supervision, access to therapeutic interventions, and a community of peers going through similar challenges. By explaining the importance of inpatient rehab, we recognize that overcoming addiction requires comprehensive and specialized care that addresses the unique needs of addicted youth.
Sober Living House
Sober living houses can help your child stay away from drugs, permanently.
Sober living programs like New Life House provide a transitional space where the child can gradually reintegrate into a drug-free lifestyle while receiving ongoing support and guidance. Drugs affect not only the child using the substances, but also the entire family. Sober living houses provide programs that approach drug addiction from a holistic perspective, addressing the family and the individual. These programs offer a substance-free living environment, peer accountability, and access to counseling and therapy services. In the case of a child with a developing teen brain, the need for a supportive and structured environment becomes even more essential.
By participating in a sober living program, the child can continue their journey towards recovery in a safe and supportive community, increasing the likelihood of sustained sobriety and positive long-term outcomes for both the individual and their family.
4. Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries is crucial when dealing with your child’s drug use.
- Create Rules: Lay down the law at home and outside. If regulations are disregarded, repercussions should be implemented.
- Stay Consistent: Once the rules are set, consistency is key. No exceptions.
- Promote Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk to you without fear of judgment. Let them share their struggles and progress. Honest conversation can help break the stigma surrounding addiction and treatment.
By setting boundaries, parents enable their children to recognize the need for change and take responsibility for their actions. Boundaries also promote accountability, as consequences for continued drug use encourage the child to face the outcomes of their behavior. Ultimately, boundaries create a supportive structure that aids in the child’s recovery and motivates them to seek help and make positive changes.
5. Monitor Progress
Monitoring the progress of a child who has struggled with drug use is the last step in helping your child after finding drugs in their room. It ensures the continuity of their recovery journey by providing opportunities to assess their sobriety and identify potential relapse risks. Monitoring progress also promotes accountability and provides ongoing support for the child, reinforcing their commitment to positive change. Additionally, monitoring helps identify any underlying issues or challenges that may arise during the recovery process, enabling timely intervention and adjustment of strategies. In summary, consistent monitoring of your child’s progress helps promote well-being and increases the chances of sustained sobriety.
New Life House
If you have lingering questions about how to move forward after finding drugs in your child’s room, reach out to New Life House. New Life House is a structured sober living program in Los Angeles, CA, designed specifically to help parents and their children overcome substance use and achieve sobriety.
Last Updated on September 12, 2023
