Without the aid of a California drug treatment program, alcohol and drug dependency often leads to negative consequences for both the addict and their loved ones. Many addicts have trouble understanding the effect of their addictions on those surrounding them. The truth is, addiction is a serious disease, often prohibiting individuals from noticing exactly how their behaviors are affecting others. This poses serious issues for children forced to live alongside the addiction, often requiring a sober parent or family friend to explain the dependency in a manner that the child can comprehend.
Step 1 – Discussions should be catered to the audience. Kids under 5 years of age may not be able to understand, nor should they be subjected to the intricacies of the abuse. If a particular behavior must be explained to a child in this age range, do your best to make it short a sweet; explain that the individual isn’t feeling well.
Step 2 – There is a fine line to walk with children ages of 5 – 9. Here, you will want to color the conversation in a way that helps the child understand that the addiction is actually a disease. Explain how people with this particular disease must obtain help to overcome it. Be sure to emphasize that the behaviors exhibited by the addict are not the child’s fault, as it’s not uncommon for children to place blame on their own heads.
Step 3 – Once a child has reached age 10, it’s appropriate to be a little more direct. Sit the child down and calmly explain the intricacies of the addiction disease. If you’re dealing with someone in their early teens, it may be a good time to stress the importance of avoiding alcohol and drugs in their own life. Children with addiction in their families have a much higher risk of becoming addicts themselves. As such, it’s important to make sure the child understands the risks associated with their own experimentation.
Step 4 – Explain that the addict is seeking help for their dependency at a drug rehab in California. Outline the treatment process, and provide the child with a basic understand of what to expect (visits, timeline, etc.) throughout the recovery. Most substance abuse centers in California offer family counseling to patients and their loved ones as part of the recovery process. In this way, children can gain a better understanding of addiction, and the best means for supporting their family members.