If you’re reading this blog post, you’re probably the parent of a child addicted to drugs or alcohol. If so, I’ve got news for you. That big problem you think is standing in the way of your child’s recovery isn’t your major obstacle.
You are. That’s right. Parents are the big problem, and not in the way you might think.
I know what I’m talking about. I’m the parent of a child addicted to drugs. As parents, we believe we know what’s best for our children. Deep down we keep thinking we should be able to figure this out. We should be able to save our child from this kind of danger. Worst of all, we believe we can handle this alone. We always have in the past. Why not now, right?
Well, you can’t. Not this time. Your child’s drug use isn’t about you or your parenting skills. And it’s not something you can manage all by yourself. It’s too big.
To help your child, you need to get yourself out of the way. The best place to start is by NOT believing your child’s story about the addiction. Instead, focus on reality. Addiction is a highly complicated issue, and it’s bigger than both of you.
Like any good parent, you talked to your children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol when they were growing up. You warned them about the detrimental effect these chemicals would have on their minds, bodies, and futures. Just because your child chose to ignore that advice doesn’t mean you failed as a parent. You didn’t. You did the very best you could.
Fact is prevention doesn’t always work. If it did, America wouldn’t be experiencing the worst drug addiction epidemic in its history right now.
Here’s what parents can do to combat this reality. Focus on what you can control. First, get professional help for yourself and your family. Next, create an action plan that includes new ground rules, including what happens when your addicted child breaks these rules.
You can’t stop your child from using drugs. But you can get yourself out of the way, find professional help, and establish firm boundaries. You love your child more than anything in the world. Make sure that love continues to move both of you in a healthy direction.
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What happens when prevention fails? Let Dave show you how to create an action plan that moves you and your addicted child back on track in a healthier, more constructive direction. Be prepared when prevention fails. Contact Dave today and book him to speak at your church, parent’s group, business organization, or neighborhood association. Go to Dave Cooke’s Speaker Page for more information, or email Dave Cooke.
