Though there is a tremendous amount of stigma surrounding drug addiction, as a parent it is important for you to understand that your child is battling a serious illness.
Though there is a tremendous amount of stigma surrounding drug addiction, as a parent it is important for you to understand that your child is battling a serious illness - one that could threaten his or her life. As wounded as you may be by your child’s actions toward you in their pursuit of their next fix, now is not the time for judgment or chastisement. Now is the time to seek help.
You’ve come to this website because you know, deep down, that your child’s drug habits have extended beyond simple experimentation. Simply accepting that fact is much harder than anyone imagines, especially for parents who often strive to see the best in their children.
At Fairwinds Treatment Center in Clearwater, Florida, we understand exactly what you are going through. From anger and resentment to despair and feigned indifference, every parent must come to terms with their child’s condition in their own way, and we are here to support you and your family as you do so.
Recognizing drug addiction in your child
The following changes in appearance and behavior may indicate that your child is struggling with drug addiction. Keep in mind that these can vary depending on the substance your child is abusing. Depressants, for example, will incur different physical symptoms than stimulants.
- Appetite fluctuations
- Bloodshot eyes
- Drowsiness
- Increased irritability
- Protective over bedroom/personal belongings
- Restlessness
- Mood swings
- More evasive
- Withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed or excelled in (academic, social, etc.).
How to show your support for your child
Do
- Assemble evidence - Chances are your child will deny your claims.
- Identify potential influencers - If these habits stemmed from or are being encouraged by a certain group of friends, you need to know.
- Say something - Let your child know that you’re aware of what’s going on.
- Stay calm - Focus on an actionable plan to address the issue.
- Vocalize your support - Now is the time to help and nurture, not to berate.
Don’t
- Blame yourself - Addiction is a complex disease, so don’t get hung up on what this means about you as a parent.
- Chastise - As angry as you may be, threats and punishments may cause your child to withdraw further into addiction.
- Use guilt as a weapon - Shame is one of the leading causes for relapse among addicts, so avoid confronting your child in an overly emotional way.
Why choose Fairwinds Treatment Center for drug addiction treatment
Nationally recognized psychiatrist Dr. M.K. (Khal) El-Yousef founded Fairwinds Treatment Center on the premise of providing comprehensive, family-focused treatment that addresses not just drug addiction itself, but all of the psychological influences that may be fueling it. Dr. El-Yousef has specialized in psychopharmacology and addictions, and is a renowned pioneer in the field of dual diagnosis psychiatry and addiction medicine.
At Fairwinds Treatment Center, your child will benefit from the support of full-time psychiatrists, nursing professionals and licensed therapists. This support system, provided within our intimate treatment center, can help your child come to terms with his or her need and begin to regain control. We also recognize that addiction in any form affects the whole family, which is why we work to include loved ones throughout the recovery process.
Remember, addiction is a disease that can truly take hold of those it affects. In their quest to fuel their addiction, your child can and will resort to all kinds of uncharacteristic behavior to conceal their need. If you suspect that your child is abusing drugs, contact our drug treatment center in Florida today to explore your options.