Watching someone struggle with drug addiction is never easy, but it is especially difficult if that someone is your own son. You will want to do anything you can to make sure that your son overcomes his addictions and gets healthy, which will almost certainly mean getting him into a drug treatment center. Fortunately, there are plenty of treatment centers to choose from in Palm Beach, but actually getting your child admitted to one might be a challenge. If you’re struggling with this, here are some tips that might help.
Know the Signs of Drug Abuse
First of all, you need to know the signs of drug abuse in your child. These will vary depending on what your son is using, but common signs include fatigue, sudden mood swings, a change in your son’s social circle, a sudden lack of interest in things he once enjoyed, red or glassy eyes, and generally being withdrawn from family and friends. Some of the signs might be hard to see, especially since many of them can come from other factors, but you need to keep an eye out for them and be ready and willing to accept that your son might be using drugs.
Confront, But Don’t Accuse
If you suspect that your son is using drugs and needs to go into treatment, be gentle when you confront him. Our society has a bad habit of treating people who use drugs like criminals who need to be punished when what they need is a treatment for a disease. Be firm when you confront your son, but don’t treat him like he’s done something horrible. In fact, chances are good that he turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with other problems in his life, whether they might be issues at school or work or even an undiagnosed mental illness. It might be a case of ill-advised self-medication. In any case, make it clear that you love him and that you’re concerned for his well-being.
Research Treatment Centers
There are treatment centers in Palm Beach and elsewhere that have programs designed for people of all ages, so don’t worry that your son might be “too young” to be in rehab. If your son is still a minor, he will benefit the most from a juvenile drug treatment center. He will be surrounded by others his age who are going through the same thing that he is, and he will receive treatment from staff members who are trained to work with young people. Complete as much research as you can on juvenile programs near you, and don’t hesitate to ask your son’s doctor for recommendations. It’s one of the best ways to find a treatment center that is right for your child.
Don’t Give Up
Overcoming an addiction is one of the hardest things that someone can do, and nobody wants to see their own child go through it. It is possible that your son will stumble on his road to recovery, but you can’t let him give up. There is always hope for him no matter how dire his situation seems to be. If either of you needs any help, don’t hesitate to call us at 833-846-5669 for advice. Our counselors are available at any time of the day or night, and they will be glad to answer any questions that you might have.