If your teen has a substance abuse disorder
1. Don't regard it as a family disgrace. Recovery is possible just as
with other illnesses.
2. Encourage and facilitate participation in
support groups during and after treatment.
3. Don't nag, preach, or
lecture.
4. Don't use the "if you loved me" approach. It is like
saying, "If you loved me, you would not have tuberculosis."
5. Estsablish
consequences for behaviors. Don't be afraid to call upon law enforcement
if teens engage in underage drinking on your premises. You can be held legally
responsible for endangering minors if you do not take timely action.
6.
Avoid threats unless you think them through carefully and definitely intend
to carry them out. Idle threats only make the person with a substance abuse
disorder feel you don't mean what you say.
7. During recovery, encourage
teens to engage in after-school activities with adult supervision. If they
cannot participate in sports or other extracurricular school activities, part-time
employment or volunteer work can build self-esteem.
8. Don't
expect an immediate, 100 percent recovery. Like any illness, there is a period
of convalescence. There may be relapses and times of tension and resentment among
family members.
9. Do offer love, support, and understanding during
the recovery. |
