Call 800-481-6320 to speak with an alcohol or drug abuse counselor. How to Tell your Parents You’re Addicted to Drugs
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drug addiction is a trap that many teens and young adults face. Unfortunately, with rising rates of drug use among teens and college students, it is a trap that you might have fallen into. It is difficult to know where to turn when you realize that you are addicted to drugs or alcohol. One place to turn is your parents, particularly when you are underage. Depending on your relationship with them, this might be difficult.
Who to Ask
Who to ask depends on your relationship with your parents. If you feel your relationship is closer to your mother then ask her. If your relationship is closer to your father then ask him. Remember that either parent or even a grandparent or guardian loves you and will most likely want to help.
It is important that you choose the person that you feel comfortable talking to. If you do not feel comfortable, you will be more likely to back out of the conversation or not have it entirely. The key is to make sure that the person you tell is going to listen.
Where to Tell your Parents
Make sure to discuss your addiction in a comfortable and quiet place, where your parents can easily listen to you.
Choose the place that you confront your parents about your drug use carefully. While they are working or in a crowded area might seem like a good idea because the backlash might be less but these are definitely not ideal places.
You want to talk to them somewhere quiet and peaceful. This way you can make sure that they hear you and understand what you are trying to tell them. You are telling them because you need help. Make sure that they know that.
How to Tell Them
Telling anyone your secret is difficult. It will bring up all sorts of feelings of shame and guilt. You need to deal with these feelings as you talk to them. There is a formula for getting telling them that you might consider following. This is:
- Identify – identify your problem. Tell them what drugs you are taking. Ask them to be open and not yell or criticize until you are done saying what you need to say.
- Decide – decide on how you want to tell them. Sometimes just coming out and saying it isn’t a good idea. Sometimes you might have to lead up to it with examples or other things.
- Explain – explain what you want. If you want off the drug, then tell them you want to look into rehabs and other types of treatment. Explain the reason why you are talking to them.
- Talk – talk it out. Make sure they are listening when you say you need and want help. Most will listen and then help you decide on what the best course of action is.
This is just a model of what to say. The conversation has to be kept calm and reasonable otherwise you might not get the help that you need.
Benefits of Family in Recovery
What if it Does Not Work?
If speaking to your parents did not help or they were too upset to listen you can still get help, including tips on how to get them to listen. Call us at 800-481-6320.
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