5 Things Parents Need to Know About Chemical Dependency

Nothing can quite prepare you for the devastating shock of finding out that your child has developed a chemical dependency. Every parent can take the precaution of learning to recognize signs of drug use or addiction but actively confronting it can be terrifying. Navigating chemical dependency is a life-altering journey, but there is hope for every family.

Five Things Parents Need to Know about Chemical Dependency

There are resources for people wishing to learn more about addiction, including from parents who have already journeyed through chemical dependency with their families. Parents and family members should join support groups and seek out medical attention for chemical dependency. However, many parents do not know how to begin when confronting suspected chemical use.

Chemical dependency is certainly not the end of the road for any child, but it might be the start of a long and difficult journey for everyone involved. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Chemical dependency is not a moral failing

Addiction is a chronic disease. Medically speaking, it is a condition that lasts for more than a year and requires ongoing medical treatment, or else it will severely impact day-to-day activities. When viewed through this lens it is a far deeper issue than moral failure.

You have not failed as a parent if your child has become addicted to substances, and they have not failed you by developing chemical dependency. The issue is far deeper and more serious than morals and even values; your child’s life could be at stake if you reduce the issue to simply being about right and wrong.

Playing the blame game is not helpful

When it comes to facing substance abuse in families, people tend to play the blame game in one of two ways. Before parents fully realize that the issue is beyond anyone’s control, they will blame their children, their children’s friends, or any other factor that might have influenced their addiction.

This is a knee-jerk response that comes out of shock. When they realize the gravity of the issue, they tend to take on as much of the responsibility for the issue as they can and blame themselves. Blame, regardless of who it is directed toward, is not helpful. Both emotional and physical healing can only take place when you accept the situation for what it is and release yourself from feeling like a failure.

Early intervention is important

Children and teens tend to experiment with substances without fully knowing the danger and will do their best to avoid being caught as the addiction develops. It is not always easy to recognize the early warning signs of substance abuse or addiction, even without their avoidant behavior.

However, it does pay to be educated with resources on the topic. Early intervention can make all the difference in the trajectory of their healing journey. You might be able to avoid other issues, like disease or contamination.

Boundaries are vital

So many parents struggle with being supportive and helpful for their addicted teen, without also enabling destructive behaviors. Boundaries can be difficult to enforce at the best of times, but when parents must factor in chemical dependency, some boundaries can feel like an act of cruelty, abandonment, or even malice.

Boundaries are personal and they should be created according to the particular dynamics of your family. What works for one family might not work for another. It is loving, supportive, and crucial to create and maintain boundaries that prohibit destructive behaviors in your children.

There is power in support groups

Addiction and chemical dependency are almost impossible to battle alone. Almost all families benefit from being part of a support group. Not only is there comfort in community, but support groups often provide practical advice and insight into dealing with addiction. Seeing others who are further along the path of healing, will help as will your chance to encourage others who are new to the journey. Community is a vital aspect of healing from chemical dependency.

Hope For the Future: Treatment in Plano, Texas

Regardless of how difficult it is to deal with chemical dependency, it is possible to overcome it and have a full and fruitful life, with plenty of wisdom to share. Dealing with addiction in Plano, Texas requires a balance of support, firm boundaries, and a lot of outside help. You are not alone in the experience, but you might need to take the first step in reaching out for help.

If you would like to find a support group or meet with a Christian counselor in Plano, Texas, we can help. Reach out to our office today at Plano Christian Counseling for more information or to set up an appointment with a faith-based addiction therapist in Plano.