When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn't know what I was going to do. After the devastation subsided, I decided to take a very standard, western approach to my healing. Although initial efforts were successful, my cancer recurred a few months later. I endured many additional months of treatment before I started focusing on myself. I decided it was time to incorporate complimentary alternative treatments into my healing regimen, including massage therapy. I can't even begin to tell you how much it changed my life. My healing became a process, instead of something I simply had to endure. I hope that the articles on my website can inspire you to stay open-minded about your own healthcare.
If losing a child is the worst thing that can happen to a parent, then watching a child struggle with heroin addiction may be a close second. Heroin is a powerful drug that holds a strong grip on its addicts. Many people who become addicted struggle with that addiction for the rest of their lives. The addiction often completely changes them as a person. Their priorities, dreams, and goals disappear. Their appearance may change dramatically. They may become habitual criminals and liars. As a parent, you may not be able to force your grown child into rehab or treatment, but there are certainly steps you can take to nudge them in that direction. Below are three tips to help you manage the situation:
Only provide them with productive and helpful assistance. It can be difficult to turn down your child, especially when you know they desperately need your help. Many heroin addicts struggle to hold a job, so they have trouble meeting basic needs, such as housing, food, and transportation. You obviously don't want your child to starve or be homeless, so it may be tempting to give them money.
Instead, try to help them in a positive and constructive way. If you give a heroin addict cash, that money will likely be used to buy drugs. Instead, go to the store and buy your child groceries. Take them out to dinner. Allow them to sleep in your guest room under certain strict conditions. Show them that you are willing to help, but only in constructive ways.
Stage an intervention. The intervention technique has certainly gotten a lot of attention in recent years because of its prevalence on television and in the news. The truth is that interventions can sometimes be effective, but not always. Much of it depends on whether your child is ready to confront their addiction. If they aren't, no amount of intervention or treatment will be effective.
If you do stage an intervention, be sure to include people whom your child respects. Be aware that there may be others in their life, like a favorite uncle or old teacher, who hold more sway than you. Also avoid individuals who seem to agitate your child or set them off, such as a parent or sibling with whom they have a troubled relationship. If the intervention fails, it doesn't mean that future ones will also fail. It just means your child isn't ready yet.
Get them out of town. Addicts are often very influenced by their surroundings and their peers. If you can get your child out of his or her social group and surroundings, you may have a better option of getting through to them. It may require significant resources, but consider taking them out of town for an extended period, perhaps to the beach or some other relaxing destination. You can consult with doctors who can help them manage withdrawals during this time.
Once removed from their drug-addicted friends, your child may think more clearly and be able to confront their addiction. They may be more open to long-term treatment.
For more information, contact a heroin addiction treatment center in your area. They can provide tips on how to help with your child's addiction problems.
Share20 June 2016
