Children are a special part of our lives; watching them achieve things throughout life is what fills parents with pride. One of the milestones that many parents, unfortunately, have to face is “My adult child is ready to get sober and go to rehab.” As a parent, how do you introduce the thought of treatment? When confronting an addict, no matter the substance, or who the person is to you, it is not an easy discussion. What can you expect from broaching the subject of treatment, and what does the treatment process typically look like for your child? Most importantly, you can’t forget that you have to help yourself throughout this process as well.

What to Expect When Attempting to get Your Adult Child Into Rehab

The conversation of treatment can typically go one of two ways, your child will be grateful to have help offered to them, or they can be extremely combative. There will typically be some blowback when trying to get them into treatment. You’ll have to act fast when they agree to go to treatment.

One of the most common things to avoid when speaking with your child is bargaining their addiction versus objectives in their lives; such as “If you go to treatment, we will…, If you stop using, I will get you…” Incentivizing treatment is a sure way to be disappointed if your child comes out and has a hard time staying clean or sober and continue working towards their recovery. Bargaining can also give them the wrong reasons to get sober, rather than doing it for the right reasons.

The only way to go about addressing the problem of addiction is to be open and talk about the issue and your concerns with your child. Be forward and mention their needs for rehab. Be open-minded and ask them to remain honest with you. Understand they may be lying to you out of fear, shame, or denial of their problem. Come up with a plan together, so they feel involved. If you don’t feel comfortable approaching the situation, contact a professional interventionist to guide you through the process. Their experience and knowledge will help you do the right thing by your child and not burn any bridges along the way. You will have to set boundaries but remember the limits are for yourself, not the one struggling.

My Adult Child is in Rehab. What Do I Do Now?

For the first time in a long time, you may be able to get some sleep knowing your child is in a safe place. The thought of their well-being is no longer consuming you, and if you are going to receive that one phone call that keeps every parent on their toes. There is a huge sense of relief in knowing your child is getting the help they need, and that they are safe. But, addiction is a disease that affects the entire family. Despite your child believing they are the ones being harmed by their habits, the entire family is affected.

Having a plan set in place before speaking with your child is hugely beneficial. Exploring treatment facility options, see if they offer family treatment options. Family programs allow you to get the help you and your family need as well to overcome the impact the disease of addiction has had. Family sessions create a safe space for you and your loved one to discuss the impact that their addiction has had, and have that conversation guided by an addiction specialist.

Despite your child going to treatment, some steps and actions need to be taken after they discharge. Drug rehabs are not a cure to addiction; they are the first step to addressing underlying issues.

What is the Next Step After My Child Discharges From Treatment?

More often than not, inpatient treatment facilities are 28-30 days long, but a month is not enough time for years of abuse and associated behaviors with substance abuse to just be fixed; you are barely scraping the surface at this point. At GH Recovery Solutions, we are a 3-6 month program. Being in a long-term treatment program gives your child more time to get acquainted with recovery and hopefully begin working the 12-steps. At GH Recovery Solutions, we are a 12-step and therapy-based program. Therapy can address issues that are better handled by therapeutic and clinical professionals to help treat underlying mental health disorders that may be co-occurring.

Once discharged from a treatment facility, it is highly recommended that your child moves into a halfway house or sober living community. Environments such as these give them accountability being in a setting where recovery is the norm, and people in similar scenarios surround them. Sober living ensures that relapsing is not tolerated and there are consequences of their actions, rather than continuing down the path of self-destruction. Many sober living communities have an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) with it, allowing your child to continue their treatment while staying in a sober environment and some level of supervision.

Is my Adult Child Ready for Rehab?

No one can determine when someone is ready to drug rehab except the person that is struggling with substances. Doing your research beforehand can give you options to present to your child. If your child is not ready to enter treatment, you can still set boundaries to help your emotional and mental health.

You are just as important in the process of getting your child help. We can walk you through this process. Reach out to us today at (888) 345-2025