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Parents of Drug Addicts
Parents of drug addicts are in a tough position. You love your child and want to do everything for him, and you can't bear to see your child wanting or suffering. Yet that same overflowing of love can be detrimental to your child, especially when it comes to a drug addiction.
Co-Dependent Love
Unfortunately, the drug addict is the last person to realize he or she is truly addicted to drugs. Many times addicts live under the deception that they are on top of their substance abuse, and that they can quit whenever they want.
Typically, it isn't until the addict reaches rock bottom that he realizes there is truly a problem. That "rock bottom" will often include the worst possible situations you could imagine for your child, including time in prison, living on the streets or even a near-death experience.
But by rescuing your child whenever he or she calls - bailing that child out of jail and/or allowing that child to stay with you even with the drugs, you are actually keeping your child from getting better. As long as he doesn't suffer the full consequences of his actions, the addict will have no motivation to get well.
Tough Love
No matter how much they want to, and no matter how hard they try, parents of drug addicts cannot cure their children of a drug addiction. This is one issue their children must face up to on his own.
So what does this mean for parents of drug addicts?
Stop Crying Wolf
You're going to have say what you mean and mean what you say. Tell your children that you will not tolerate drug use in your home under any circumstances. Both parents must agree to present a united front on this issue. Do not allow your addicted child to divide and conquer you on this issue.
Make it clear to your child that he does any illegal activity, including using drugs, he will have to leave your home immediately. Your child is free to go wherever he or she decides, but it is not your responsibility to find a place for him. Tell your child if he does not leave, you will call the police. Mean it.
Why the User Must Leave Your Home
If your child has drugs in his possession, and more specifically, your home, you could be considered an accessory to his crime. The risk is simply too great.
If Your Addicted Child Calls
If your child calls pleading for money, do not give it to him. If he asks to come home, refuse. Tell your child, the only option available is rehab. If he refuses that, hang up.
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