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Drug and Alcohol Rehab Guide For Parents

Providing Trusted, Evidence-Based
Treatment for Three Decades and Counting

If you or a loved one is experiencing addiction, we’re here to help.

As a parent, you can feel helpless when you watch your child struggle. One of the most difficult experiences as a mother or father is to watch your hurting child and know that there is nothing that you can do to help. This is why it is so hard to watch as our children agonize when they get sick. But make no mistake. If your child has become saddled with addiction, then your child is sick. As painful as it is to watch as a parent, there are things that you can do to help.

Your child still has a lot of life ahead of them even though they have made decisions that have led them to this point. The brain hasn’t fully developed until age 25 and decision making becomes even more impaired when your child uses drugs and alcohol. That is why it is up to the parent to make the rational decision in this scenario.

Is My Child Addicted?

The first step toward helping your child recover is to determine what the sickness is.

The question has to be asked: Is my son or daughter really addicted? Or are they just abusing the substance?

Once you determine the problem, then finding help becomes more clear.

It may be difficult. Your child may be angry at you. It will likely even break your heart. Nothing, though, can compare to losing your child to the disease of addiction. If you decide that your child has a substance use problem, then you can intercede to get them the help that is needed.

If you think that your child is suffering from addiction you should look for these signs:


  • Staying out too late
  • Change in social circles
  • Changes in sleep schedule
  • Secretive or withdrawn behavior
  • Changes in hygiene or grooming habits
  • Unexplained weight change
  • Unusually large or small pupils
  • Health changes (feeling sick after staying out late)
  • Sudden reduction in ability to handle responsibilities


  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Drug paraphernalia
  • Severe mood swings
  • Anxiety and paranoia
  • Decrease in ability to focus
  • Frequent unexplained lethargy
  • Increased aggression
  • Loss of interest in hobbies or favorite activities
  • Unexplained agitation or increase in energy followed by a crash



Is Your Loved One Struggling With Alcohol Abuse?

It is difficult to watch your loved one struggle with alcohol addiction. We’ve prepared some alcohol-related resources below to assist you in helping your loved one find recovery. If you need additional support, please contact us at any time.

Loved One Resources


Additional Resources For Parents:

5 Ways Drugs and Alcohol Can Affect Your Children Physically

What Parents Need To Know About Drug Addiction

Talking To Your Kids About Your Drug Addiction

How To Help Your Child Heal From Your Drug Addiction

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