As the parent, guardian, or other loved one of a young person, one of the many challenges we experience as young people get older is navigating conversations around difficult subjects. This is especially true when it comes to addiction. The subject matter is overwhelming, to say the least, and with young people, it can be that much more sensitive.
It can be hard to know how to handle such complex issues. Even the idea of broaching the subject of addiction can be daunting. We worry we’ll say the wrong thing. Often, we don’t even know how to begin. For many of us, our fears keep us from having these important conversations.
Preventing Addiction From Developing in Young People
Sometimes, we feel compelled to talk to young people about addiction because other kids they know are already experimenting with drugs and alcohol. Other times, it is our young loved one who has tried an addictive substance. We fear the worst that they are already addicted to it. We have no choice other than to start having these conversations, lest the problem go unacknowledged and grow worse as a result.
In these situations, we want to address any dependence issues they already have. Our goal is to remedy these issues early on to prevent them from escalating into full-blown, life-altering addictions. Many of us struggling with addiction, in fact, first started using our drug of choice as adolescents. There is a correlation between using drugs and alcohol as young people and developing dependence in adulthood.
In addition to drugs and alcohol, young people nowadays are dealing with other forms of addiction that can become just as problematic. Smartphone, internet, and social media addictions, especially in young people, are on the rise.
Normalizing the Experiences of Young People
How do we talk to young people about addiction? To start, it can help to tell our young loved ones that everything they’re thinking and feeling is normal and natural. All the confusion they’re feeling is totally normal. The temptation to experiment, especially when their peers might already be trying substances, is normal and understandable.
Talk to young people about the realities of peer pressure. Remind them that they will feel much better about their choices if they’ve made them of their own free will rather than because someone has pressured them. As much as possible, normalize the experiences they’re going through and remind them of how common they actually are.
Fostering Trust With Young People
Encourage young people to ask questions. There is so much they don’t understand yet, so much that is confusing and scary. They may already be questioning whether or not they have an addiction. Be open with them, and allow them to be honest with you without repercussions. Tell them that no question is off-limits. When young people are afraid they’ll be punished for saying certain things or for being honest about the things they’ve already done, they may be more hesitant to open up.
Staying Calm Rather Than Punishing Young People
The idea is to foster open communication and to create trust. We want to be trusted adults for them and let them know that we are a safe space for them to turn to. In a world of scary and overwhelming issues, they can depend on us. Try your best not to react strongly with anger or lash out with punishment, even if they’ve done something especially worrisome or problematic. Seek out help from a therapist, sponsor, or trusted friend to help you stay calm in order to handle this issue as effectively as possible.
Encouraging Young People to Get Help
Perhaps the most important thing we can convey to young people is the importance of asking for help when we need it. Remind them that you love them unconditionally and will do whatever you can to get through this difficult chapter together. Tell them you will help them seek out professional support if needed. When we’re struggling with addiction as adults, it is often the young people in our lives who are the reason why we ultimately get help. It can be important to work with a family therapist and/or child psychologist, especially if your loved one is already showing signs of distress.
Professional addiction treatment centers like Athens Area Commencement Center provide supportive resources like family therapy sessions. Family therapy can help us as we confront these difficult and sensitive issues with the support of experienced addiction experts.
Being Open About Our Struggles With Young People
It can be even harder to talk to young people about addiction when we are the ones struggling with addiction. Many of us put off having these difficult conversations because we’re afraid to confront the truth of what we’re experiencing.
Young people, however, are quite perceptive and most likely already know there is a problem. Depending on what they’ve already observed, they may have experienced some of the many destructive aspects of addiction.
Providing Ongoing Support to Young People
When it comes to talking to young people about addiction, it is in their best interest to be honest. If we’re open and honest with them about what we’re experiencing, we might be able to prevent them from struggling in silence. We may be able to encourage them to get the help they need. Consider having ongoing family meetings and/or family therapy sessions to keep the lines of communication open and to provide ongoing support to your loved one.
Whether you’re talking to young people about your struggles with addiction or about their own substance use, the conversations can be difficult, complex, and overwhelming. Seek out support and get professional help, whether from a therapist, doctor, trained addiction specialist, or addiction treatment center like Athens Area Commencement Center.
Having conversations about addiction with the young people in our lives is difficult, but it is so important. For many of us, this is a journey we’ve been undertaking alone for some time, and it’s become increasingly apparent that we need support. Receiving support for us and for our loved ones will help us get through this chapter. Allowing ourselves to be supported while we’re being as open and honest about our struggles as we can be is part of the work of recovery. Talking to young people about their own substance use or about our addiction issues is one of the hardest things we have to do when struggling with addiction. Call Athens Area Commencement Center at (706) 546-7355.