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how to talk to young kids about family member in alcohol rehab

by Dr. Julia Monahan IV Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Tell your child how often you will try to communicate, but do not make promises. Explain while you would like to stay in touch while away, it is your child’s choice to communicate with you or not. Ask how your child feels about it.

Full Answer

How can I Help my Child deal with an alcohol addiction?

Mar 16, 2022 · Talk To My Son About Alcohol Problems I Talk To My Son About Drinking Too Much? Be gentle about it: Create a dialogue, not a lecture, rather than suggest they should apologize. Don’t get aggressive, stay respectful of the situation. Get in touch with the person and let him or her speak.

How do children respond to their alcoholic parents?

Mar 25, 2021 · That’s all anyone can ask. Muse Treatment has experienced treatment specialists who can help you learn about addiction and how you can communicate with your family member in rehab. Call us today at 800-426-1818 to find drug or alcohol rehab best suited to tackle addiction. Alcohol Rehab, Drug Rehab, Rehab ,

How can I talk to my child about their drug addiction?

Nov 25, 2019 · Give your children the freedom to deal with this on their own terms and at their own pace. 6 – Talk about keeping in touch. Explain that rehab centers have rules about how often you can use the phone or computer. Tell your kids how often you plan to call or write, but don’t make promises you can’t keep. 7 – Reassure them of your return.

How does family involvement in alcohol and drug rehab work?

Oct 05, 2020 · Reassure them that their parent loves them, but that they have a disease and need help. Also, remind them that you love them and are there to support them. When it comes to tweens, you want to make sure they have all the facts about their parent's addiction.

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How do you explain addiction to a 5 year old?

Explaining Addiction to a Young ChildChoose a suitable time: It is best to discuss a family member's addiction when the situation is calm, and there aren't any distractions. ... Keep it age-appropriate: Only tell your child as much as he or she will understand. ... Be truthful: Honesty is always the best policy.More items...•Aug 3, 2017

How do you talk to kids about parents drinking?

Be sure that you reassure them that they didn't cause the addiction and there's nothing they could do to prevent their parent from drinking or using drugs. Reassure them that their parent loves them, but that they have a disease and need help. Also, remind them that you love them and are there to support them.Oct 5, 2020

How do I talk to my 6 year old about drugs?

As kids grow older, start talks with them by asking them what they've heard about drugs. Ask in a nonjudgmental, open-ended way, so you're more likely to get an honest response. Remember to show your kids that you're listening and really paying attention to their concerns and questions.

How do you tell my family I have a drinking problem?

The first way to tell your friends and family that you're an addict, or have alcohol abuse or drug abuse issues, is to ask for help....How to ask for help and supportBe honest. ... Express your desire for help. ... Explain why you are seeking help. ... Ask for support. ... Prepare for resistance. ... Don't be ashamed.Nov 18, 2021

How do you deal with a drunk family member?

Be honest about how the drinking makes you feel. Use "I" statements and avoid being critical. Indicate that you are not trying to change them—they can still choose to drink if they want. But remind them that you also have a choice, and you are choosing not to be around them when they are drinking.Jul 5, 2021

How do I teach my child about alcohol?

How to talk to your kids about alcohol, according to substance...Start the conversation early (and have it often)Start when they're young.Little kids will ask questions — don't shut them down and have answers ready.Be open about your drinking habits.Same goes with any Rx pills.More items...•Apr 30, 2018

Why you should talk with your child about alcohol and other drugs?

If you talk to your kids directly and honestly, they are more likely to respect your rules and advice about alcohol and drug use. When parents talk with their children early and often about alcohol and other drugs, they can protect their children from many of the high-risk behaviors associated with using these drugs.Jul 19, 2021

What do you say to kids about drugs?

Begin by asking them what they think about drugs. If you ask in a casual, unjudging way, your child is more likely to be honest with you. If your child is uncomfortable talking to you about drugs, or seems disinterested, let them know that you are ready to talk whenever they are.

How do you talk to a 5th grader about drugs?

Teens and drugs: 5 tips for talking with your kidsMake your values and your rules clear. ... Ask and listen, but resist the urge to lecture. ... If your child has used substances, try to explore the reasons. ... Know when (and how) to intervene.Aug 16, 2018

How do you tell someone they have a drinking problem?

First Steps: How to Tell Someone You're An AlcoholicBe honest with yourself and those you love. ... Explain how you're feeling and what's led you to seek alcohol for comfort. ... Help those close to you to see what you've been going through.Ask for help or advice. ... Explain what prompted you to ask for help.More items...•Jul 13, 2021

How do you tell someone to stop drinking?

Here are a few suggestions for how to tell friends you're not drinking:I'm cutting back on alcohol for a while.No thanks, I'm taking it easy tonight.I'm driving tonight, so no drinks for me.I'm sticking with soda tonight, thanks.No thank you!Jan 21, 2021

How do you tell your parents you've been drinking?

How To Talk To Your Parents About DrinkingPromise to call if you feel out of control. Your parents are worried about you drinking (or doing drugs) because they care about you. ... Discuss peer pressure. When you're in high school, the focus is often on fitting in. ... Be trustworthy in other areas of your life first.Aug 5, 2015

Why should kids refrain from experimenting with drugs?

So, they should refrain from experimenting with drugs and alcohol, because the chances of them developing an addiction like their parent is higher than it is for other kids.

What do children with addictions need to know?

Additionally, the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) indicates that there are four messages that children with addicted parents need to hear. They need to know that addiction is a disease that they cannot control and that it's OK to talk about it—even if they have been told not to. And, most importantly, they need ...

What happens when you live with an addicted parent?

Living with an addicted parent is often chaotic, lonely, and even scary—especially if the family breaks up because of substance abuse. Even if children are not removed from the home, living with a parent who abuses alcohol or other substances may cause kids to become withdrawn and shy, while others can become explosive and violent. 1 

How to teach kids about addiction?

But also remind them that addiction is a disease. Children need to be reassured that their parents are not "bad" people. Instead, they have a disease that causes them to make bad choices.

What do addicted parents do?

Sometimes addicted parents also will do things that are embarrassing, like show up for a school function intoxicated, slur their words when talking with a teacher, or explode in anger at a basketball game. All of these things are extremely hard on children, no matter how old they are.

How old should a child be to talk about the world?

You want to be sure you're sharing accurate information. Likewise, you should keep your conversations age appropriate. For instance, for kids younger than 10 years old, you need to remember that they still view the world from a me-centered perspective.

Why do kids feel abandoned?

And they often feel abandoned due to the emotional unavailability of their parents.

Why do drug rehabs include family?

Most professional alcohol and drug rehab programs include the family of the patient in the recovery process because research has shown that it reduces the risk of relapse. 1 . Usually, during the first month of rehab, you will be invited to the treatment facility for a "family education program," or family day.

How to participate in family therapy?

Participation in the family workshop is beneficial in several ways: 1 It allows the rehab counselors to gain input from the family, observe how the family interacts and learn more about family dynamics. 2 It can encourage your loved one to continue with their treatment program knowing the family supports them. 3 It offers your family member an opportunity to learn how the entire family has been affected by their addiction.

How to contact the SAMHSA?

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.

What is an overview of substance abuse?

An overview of substance abuse and dependence, including prevalence, symptoms, causes, and basic concepts. Effects of substance use disorders on the individual, family system, and individual family members, including children. Overview of recovery issues for the affected person (physical, psychological or emotional, social, family, ...

What do family members receive in recovery?

They will receive group therapy, individual counseling, medical care, and a balanced diet. In other words, your loved one is in the hands ...

Is family therapy a therapy?

Family Workshop Is Not Therapy. Although there are many benefits to attending a family educational workshop while your family member is in rehab, 4  those sessions are not therapy. Many times these workshops will bring out strong feelings among family members, and they can become emotional.

Can a family member tell you they are in a health care facility?

Your family member is in a health care facility. Due to confidentiality concerns and federal privacy laws, the staff of the facility is prohibited from giving you any information about their situation . Your loved one will have to tell you themselves.

How to tell your kids you're going to rehab?

Family therapies recognize that each family member may display different emotional responses, all of which are valid. Family therapies are a fantastic way to alleviate you of some stress , as therapists specialize in dealing with emotional disturbances among families with addiction. You do not need to have all the answers, and therapists will help you cope with your family’s emotional weight throughout your time in rehab.

How to explain rehab to a child?

How to explain going to rehab to a child will vary depending on age versus maturity. However, you ultimately know your child better than anyone else. When explaining rehab to a child, try using some of these tips to help you get started: 1 “Mommy/Daddy is sick and needs to go see a doctor.” 2 “Mommy/Daddy is leaving to go to a special hospital.”

What is family therapy?

Family therapies are designed to analyze the family of the addict as a whole. Family functionality deals with any number of feelings within family members and coming together by uniting for one another. Lessons like these are an asset to overcome a parent’s addiction together, harmoniously and compassionately.

Is it easy to say goodbye to your kids?

It’s never easy to say goodbye to your kids, but leaving for rehabilitation may prove to be a fantastic learning experience for everyone in your family. Addressing how to tell your kids that you’re going to rehab will ultimately rely on your approach. However, how to prepare your children before you go to rehab will depend on the child’s age and needs.

What happens if a child refuses to talk about addiction?

If the addiction is hidden or refused to be spoken about a child may repress emotions, become angry, anxious or scared and feel afraid to talk to anyone. This can cause significant problems in the future and would be detrimental to the physical and emotional health of the child.

What are some key points that should be reiterated with children when explaining addiction?

Some key points that should be reiterated with children when explaining addiction include: * Doctors and scientists don’t fully understand why some people become addicted to a drug or alcohol. They might have a chemical problem in their brain, some genetic problem or have personal problems they find hard to deal with.

Why is it important for a child to understand that addiction is not their fault?

It is important for a child to understand that the addiction is not their fault and they have nothing to do with why someone uses drugs or alcohol. Through honest, open discussions a child will develop trust and understanding of the illness and be prepared to seek further help or advice if needed.

What is the emotional response to a family member having an addiction?

A common emotional response to a family member having an addiction is for a child to blame themselves or believe that the cause of the addiction lies with them. They may believe that their own behavior has created the problem of the addiction due to the negative reactions that may happen when the addict is under ...

Why do kids become addicted to drugs?

Additionally, it should be noted that an addiction occurs for many reasons – mental illness, from being in a traumatic experience, from growing up in a damaging environment or genetic reasons.

Can an addicted parent take care of their child?

This has been found to be particularly the case in children of addicted parents. Addicted parents may begin to rely on a child to take over the role of running a household, caring for other siblings and even taking care of the addict themselves.

How do you know if your child is living with an alcoholic parent?

There can be a number of signs that a child is living with an alcoholic parent including: * They are performing badly in school. * They regularly skip school. * Have started experimenting with alcohol or drugs. * Unwilling to discuss their home life or appear evasive about it. * They have symptoms of depression.

What are the effects of living with an alcoholic parent?

Effects of Living with Alcoholic Parents. Those who grow up on an alcoholic home are likely to have a disturbed childhood. The behavior of the alcoholic parent (parents) may mean that the child needs to: * They are forced into a position where they need to take on a great deal of responsibility in the home.

How does alcoholism affect children?

The children do suffer the most in this type of situation because they are trapped in a nightmare that they can’t control. They will also lack an understanding for why their parent behaves the way they do.

What does it mean when a parent is not sober?

* The fact that the parent is no sober means that there is likely to be a major upheaval in the home. This type of sudden change can feel traumatic to the child.

What happens if a child is not given an explanation for what is happening to their parent?

If the children of alcoholics are not given an adequate explanation for what is happening to their alcohol-abusing parent (or parents) it can lead to negative effects such as: * The child can grow up believing that substance abuse is normal and acceptable behavior.

Why do children end up in abusive relationships?

This means that they end up in an abusive relationship because it is what they are used to. * Some young children will respond to their alcoholic parents by copying the behavior. This means that they may be addicted to alcohol or drugs at a very young age.

Can children of recovering alcoholics have problems?

Children of Recovering Alcoholics. Just because a parent enters recovery does not mean that the ordeal is over for the child. They may continue to have problems because: * It may take them a long time before they can trust the parent’s sobriety. There may be a long history of broken promises and disappointments.

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