If you’re the parent of a son who is addicted to drugs, you’re naturally going to wonder how you can help him feel better. Unfortunately, there are no simple answers when it comes to helping someone through a drug addiction. Each addiction is unique, and as such, it’s going to depend upon you, your son, and your relationship to figure out how best you can help him.
That said, there are a few general rules that can be helpful to consider if you’re interested in helping your son return to a happy, sober lifestyle. With the help of your patience, compassion, and possibly a commitment to inpatient rehab San Diego, your son will likely be able to find happiness without drugs.
Are you certain your son is on drugs?
The term ‘he’s on drugs’ is often thrown around to describe erratic or abnormal behavior, but it doesn’t necessarily always refer to someone who is actually under the influence. Before deciding to move forward, you should be absolutely certain that your son is actually using drugs.
This can be tricky, since many drug users are not proud of their habits. As such, they are often willing to lie or deceive people in order to prevent the shame that they would feel if others discovered their habits.
Regardless, you need to know that your son is actually using drugs. One of the ways to figure this out is to study the signs and symptoms of drug abuse and withdrawal.
My son is definitely on drugs – what now?
If you’re certain that your son is using drugs, the best way to help is to open an honest line of communication. This is often easier said than done, especially considering the amount of shame that many drug users feel regarding their problems.
You need to approach the problem bearing this in mind. Most drug users are not proud of their habits and often feel confronted or attacked when people – even parents – approach them regarding their drug use. The best way to avoid having your son become defensive is to tackle the situation compassionately and without judgment.
You need to let your son know that you are concerned about his well-being. Do not yell, shout, or aggravate them. Instead, embrace them – either physically or with your words – and let them know that their behavior is hurting you.
It’s a good idea to speak with “I-statements,” rather than “you-statements.” For example:
- “You’re doing drugs, and you’re going to hurt yourself,” is more likely to create a confrontation.
- “I’m worried your drug use might cause you pain, and that frightens me,” is more likely to create engagement.
Conclusion
Once you have opened a dialogue and have learned to communicate effectively, you may want to consider inpatient rehab San Diego or another form of rehab. Once your son understands that his behavior is hurting his loved ones, he may be more willing to seek the therapy and guidance needed to overcome his issues.
