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when to tell kids a parent is in rehab

by Sally Sawayn Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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There are age brackets that have general guidelines about how to tell your kids that you’re going to rehab. For instance, children ages 0-2 are likely not to understand what is happening at all, whereas children ages 3-5 can comprehend that mommy or daddy is sick and needs to see a doctor.

Full Answer

Can a child stay with an addicted parent in rehab?

Apr 06, 2017 · 1. Use Age-Appropriate Language. To tell your child you’re going to rehab, meet your child at their level of comprehension. This means keeping the conversation age-appropriate. The words you’ll use and the level of detail you’ll provide …

How do I talk to my kids about rehab?

If you tell your children you’re going to drug rehab when they’re very young, there is a chance they will never remember a time when you were drunk or high. As long as you remain sober, you can repair some of the damage done. Children of addicted parents have a higher chance of becoming addicts themselves. Staying sober gives you the opportunity to talk to your children about …

When should you talk to your child about their parent's addiction?

Oct 05, 2020 · There are age brackets that have general guidelines about how to tell your kids that you’re going to rehab. For instance, children ages 0-2 are likely not to understand what is happening at all, whereas children ages 3-5 can comprehend that mommy or daddy is sick and needs to see a doctor. Children ages 6-12 might understand that mom or dad needs a …

How long will a parent need to stay in rehab?

Sep 03, 2012 · How to Tell a Child that You are Going to Rehab for Treatment. September 3, 2012. Michael Shannon. Blog, Recovery. Once you are able to fully admit to yourself that you have a problem, you have begun on the right path; deciding this takes a lot of conviction, courage, and strength. However, it is common for parents to feel they should not tell their child/children that …

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How do you tell your child their dad is on drugs?

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

What do you tell people when you go to rehab?

Disclosing some of your dishonesty and shortcomings will likely prove to your friends and family that going to rehab is an earnest decision. It is also possible your friends and family already know you haven't been truthful with them and coming clean can also establish a sense of trust.Aug 18, 2021

Can my family make me go to rehab?

So, for the most part, while your family may come up with a compelling argument for you to go to rehab (and perhaps withhold money, room, or board in exchange for such a deal), they can't legally compel you enter a rehab or treatment facility.Aug 1, 2018

How do you know if your child is addicted?

Deterioration in appearance Addicted youths begin to pay less attention to how they look and to their hygiene. As a parent, you will notice their clothes aren't as clean as usual. Lack of sleep may make them appear especially drawn and tired. Fewer baths or showers may increase body odor.Mar 10, 2016

What are side effects of naltrexone?

Common and Serious Side Effects of Naltrexonenausea.sleepiness.headache.dizziness.vomiting.decreased appetite.painful joints.muscle cramps.More items...

What are the substance of abuse?

Substance abuse, as a recognized medical brain disorder, refers to the abuse of illegal substances, such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Or it may be the abuse of legal substances, such as alcohol, nicotine, or prescription medicines. Alcohol is the most common legal drug of abuse.

Can you force your child to go to therapy?

If a child is absolutely dead-set on going to therapy, and there are no safety worries like self harm or suicidal thoughts, forcing a child to go to therapy can do more harm than good. It reinforces the idea that therapy isn't really for helping, it's a punishment for bad behavior.Jun 17, 2021

Can my parents legally force me to go to therapy?

If you're under 18, your parents can legally bring you to treatment, whether it's a teen substance abuse treatment center, mental health treatment center, dual diagnosis treatment center, or detox facility. Even if you refuse to get into the car, they're allowed to physically carry you to treatment.

What do you do when someone won't go to rehab?

If Your Loved One Is Refusing Treatment:Positively Encourage Them.When All Else Fails, Don't Use Guilt. ... Offer Support. ... Stop Funding. ... Start With The Medical Approach. ... Decipher The Situation. ... Educate Yourself. ... Admit It To Yourself. If you're in denial, it's not helping anyone. ... More items...•Nov 12, 2021

How would you Recognise a child suffering from neglect?

Signs of neglectpoor appearance and hygiene. being smelly or dirty. being hungry or not given money for food. ... health and development problems. anaemia. ... housing and family issues. living in an unsuitable home environment, such as having no heating. ... change in behaviour. becoming clingy.

What are the signs of drug abuse in adolescence?

Some common signs of teen drug abuse include:Bad grades.Bloodshot eyes.Laughing for no reason.Loss of interest in activities.Poor hygiene.Diminished personal appearance.Avoiding eye contact.Frequent hunger or “munchies”More items...•Jan 12, 2022

Who is more likely to have a substance use disorder?

Typically, men are more likely to abuse illicit drugs and alcohol – 11.5% of boys and men over 12 have a substance use disorder, compared to 6.4% of women and girls. However, women are more likely to go to the emergency room or fatally overdose due to substance abuse.Oct 27, 2021

What do kids need to thrive?

Kids of all ages need a schedule and predictability to thrive. If different arrangements will be made for their childcare, school pick-up or extracurricular activities, you or a trusted caretaker should explain these changes as clearly as possible. A written schedule or calendar may be helpful.

How to help a child with anger?

Give your child an opportunity to ask questions and share how he or she feels about the news you have shared. If he or she expresses anger, fear or sadness, remind him or her that there are no wrong feelings. If your child has no emotional reaction at all, be prepared for delayed reactions at a later time.

How to deliver news to a child?

Deliver News in an Age-Appropriate Way 1 Toddlers. Keep language simple and concrete and avoid unnecessary details. It may be appropriate to say, “Daddy is sick and needs to go away to a place where doctors can help him get better.” 2 School Age. You might approach the conversation by asking if the child has noticed any changes in your mood or behavior, such as, “Have you noticed that Mom has been really sleepy or cranky lately?” Explain these changes are tied to an illness called addiction and that you will be going to a safe place where you can get help from doctors. 3 Teenagers. Be direct and factual. Explain you are sick and have an illness caused by an addiction. Acknowledge the basics of how the addiction has affected your mood, behavior, work or relationships. Explain to your teen that doctors recommend you seek medical treatment in a setting where you can focus on getting better 24 hours a day.

How to explain treatment center rules?

Explain the treatment center has rules about how often you can use the phone, facetime or email. 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.

What is an alateen?

Alateen is an organization that offers support groups, education and resources for teenagers who are coping with a parent’s drug or alcohol problem.

Is it important to explain to kids that they are living in a hospital?

While it’s important to explain you will be living in a medical setting and cared for by doctors, also emphasize you will not be confined to a hospital bed or room. It may be helpful to show your kids pictures of the facility that display a variety of treatment settings and activities.

Can a 15 year old share the same information with a five year old?

You wouldn’t share the same information with your five-year-old as you would your 15-year-old. The message should be based on their level of maturity and ability to process abstract concepts.

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 to expect when returning from rehab?

Upon returning home from rehab, although your children may be joyous that you are home, it may also be a difficult time. The child may not know what to expect or may not know what you will be like now that you are sober. You may also have a difficult time adjusting to this new life, in this case, be sure to allow any necessary space for not only your children, but also yourself. Most importantly, remember that things will get better, much better; always take it one day at a time. Additionally, family therapy is offered in most area throughout the world, and this is an option that may be useful.

How to explain addiction to kids?

Explain Addiction. When sitting down with your children, begin by explaining what addiction is and how it is considered to be a medical illness. As soon as you explain that you have an illness, immediately tell them that you are going to a special place where good people will help you get better. By telling the child this, they will not become ...

How to help kids go to rehab?

Before you go to drug rehab, sit down with your kids and talk to them about it. Show them pictures of where you will be. Let them know that there are many rules, like when you can talk to or see them. Find out when the first family visiting day is and put it on the calendar before you go. Make sure that whoever is caring for your children while you are away is aware of these dates and times and will help your kids remember and look forward to them. Most of all, encourage them in looking toward a brighter tomorrow. 2

What is it called when you return home after drug rehab?

When you return home after drug rehab, it can be a difficult time for everyone. You’re now on the right track, but still susceptible to having a drug use relapse. It’s called being “in recovery” for a reason. You are in process. You and your family are beginning a new way of life.

How to make your kids feel better?

Plan ahead for visiting day and think about what they might like to do when they come to see you. When they arrive, show them the pictures you have of them in your room. Let them know how much you miss them and that you can’t wait to come home. Very importantly, prepare yourself for meeting life’s challenges positively. 3

Should parents protect their children from drug addiction?

Some parents believe they should protect their children from their addiction when they seek treatment at drug rehab. Go ahead and let that idea go. No matter how well you think you have hidden your drug addiction from them, your children know. They’ve watched you struggle with it for years, and they are scared.

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