It has been said, “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.” This is especially true when it comes to addiction recovery. Yes, there is a chance that our first try in recovery may be unsuccessful. However, that risk is okay when you think of the alternative of not getting help at all. With no help, there is only the continued cycle of pain and misery. This includes helping a parent with addiction. It may seem scary, but they need you more than ever.
Helping a Parent With Addiction
There can be little doubt that helping a loved one into recovery is a scary proposition. You may think, “Am I doing the right thing?” “Will they resent me if I try to help?” The key is to think of the alternative – “What will happen if they don’t get any help?” Remember, this is a life-or-death disease that will only get worse without some type of intervention.
It is also true that there are many sticky dynamics when it comes to helping a parent with addiction. The power dynamic stops some children from even trying to help. However, if you remember that a parent struggling with addiction is a sick person who needs to get well rather than someone intentionally trying to do harm to themselves or others, it can help. So, how do you approach a parent with an addiction?
How to Approach a Parent With Addiction
The key to approaching a parent with addiction is to begin with compassion. After all, they are probably as scared of their situation as you are. Letting them know that you are here to help rather than judge can be critical. However, there also comes a time when you need to be more stern in your assistance. This means setting boundaries.
Now, setting boundaries can feel very punitive, but when it comes to addiction, it is important to remember that it is for the greater good of long-term sobriety. These boundaries may include not allowing a parent to be around their grandchildren if they have been drinking or using. It may be excluding them from family functions. Not offering them financial or legal help if they get in trouble with their behaviors. Yes, they may feel harsh, but they can be life-saving.
A professional interventionist can be extremely helpful when it comes to getting a loved one the help that they need. They will be able to help establish healthy boundaries, as well as be able to connect you to the right recovery center when a parent says “yes.” A professional interventionist can also help you get a better understanding of what addiction actually is.
Better Understanding Addiction
Millions of people struggle with addiction every day. This is true both in the U.S. and around the world. Addiction is one of the most common and deadly diseases in the world, and yes, it is a disease.
Many people mistake addiction for some type of moral failing or “choice.” This is simply untrue. Addiction has more in common with other chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease than it does with making a choice.
So, what exactly is addiction? Ultimately, it is a “brain disease” that affects the whole body. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Groundbreaking discoveries about the brain have revolutionized our understanding of compulsive drug use, enabling us to respond effectively to the problem. As a result of scientific research, we know that addiction is a medical disorder that affects the brain and changes behavior. We have identified many of the biological and environmental risk factors and are beginning to search for the genetic variations that contribute to the development and progression of the disorder.”
Helping a Parent Heal With the Multi-Angled Approach
There are many ways to help a parent with addiction. There are many effective evidence-based modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). The key is to utilize the multi-angled approach to recovery.
The multi-angled approach to recovery is about utilizing as many means, methods, and modalities as possible from every area of treatment. This includes psychotherapeutic treatments, experiential therapies, and holistic healing methods. Often, when a combination of these treatments is used, a healthy recovery is not far behind.
For example, CBT and DBT often work very well with more physical therapies like nature-immersion therapy and yoga therapy. The key is to find what works for you (or your parent) and stick to it.
A Focus on Long-Term Success at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive, with a focus on the future.
If you or a parent is sick and tired of being sick and tired, then the time to recover is now. You got this! We can help.
There are many dynamics at play when it comes to getting someone the addiction help that they need. This is especially true when it comes to helping a parent. It can be critical to find the right support and guidance for those seeking to get a parent help for addiction. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the right road to recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information regarding getting a loved one addiction help, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
