The short answer to this question is whatever it takes to get them to stop. This opens an abundance of options which can be overwhelming when deciding what specific steps you should take: Should you ground them? Follow them? Take away their valuables? Call the police? Isolate them from their drug using friends? Love them more? Hospitalize them? Make them go to rehab or even boarding school? All are good choices but which one is best for your child?
The long answer to the question is WHATEVER IT TAKES TO MAKE THEM STOP. There is no one size fits all solution and there are many factors to consider. Being too kind can make you a pushover and being too stern can drive them away. Unfortunately, more often than not sending them to rehab could just introduce them to more kids that have no intention of quitting.
Parents, for the most part you’re on your own and the only way your kid will get through this phase of their life is either by luck or your relentless pursuit of stopping their drug use. It must become the most important part of your life. Parent’s consistent lack of commitment and willingness to do whatever it takes is what’s most to blame for kids not getting clean. Once your child starts getting high, they don’t have the insight or internal awareness to quit on their own, which in the end, can lead to horrific consequences.
One critical factor in helping your child is trying to determine what is motivating their drug use. The answer to this question will drive where you go from there.
Is there anything in the world more important than having your children grow up to be productive thriving adults? I don’t think so and the power is in your hands. You have to take control of the situation.
If you need help or guidance through this difficult time, contact us today for your first free session at Goodman Therapy so that we can help your child get off of drugs.