This is perhaps the hardest part of the journey – when you’re reaching out, willing to help, and they pull away, deny they have a problem or just slam the door and vanish. What actually works isn’t ultimatums, threats, shaming or negotiating, but finding ways to build moments of genuine connection, and that takes work.
How can I help my child who is misusing substances but doesn’t want help? Read More »
When you discover your child is using cannabis/THC/marijuana daily, your first instinct may be to panic and forbid it completely (which, spoiler alert, usually backfires). What does help is to educate yourself first on what cannabis actually does to the developing brain, so you’re starting from a place of accurate knowledge. The marijuana of today
What strategies can I use when my child uses cannabis daily? Read More »
As tempting as it is to jump in and lecture when they come home high, it’s more effective to wait for those rare calm moments – maybe driving together or taking a walk – when defenses are naturally lower. If they’re under the influence, step back and find another time. Instead of rehearsing lectures, ask
How do I talk to my kid about their substance use? Read More »
While technically, yes, you have certain legal rights with your minor children, forcing treatment sometimes means they’ll physically be there while being emotionally checked out. Your child’s physician, therapist or psychiatrist can provide guidance after an evaluation, and you’ll also want to check your state laws for age of consent. Sometimes, for the sake of
Can I legally require my teenage child to attend substance use treatment? Read More »
Effective evidence-based approaches that are available for teens and young adults include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), family-based interventions like CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) and, and in some cases, medication treatment. The most successful programs will involve family participation instead of treating just
You may think setting and holding boundaries is a way to control your child’s behavior, but they’re actually about what you will and won’t accept in your own life. We think of them as fences with gates that swing open and closed, not walls that keep people out. You can learn to clearly communicate your
How do I establish appropriate boundaries with my young adult who is using substances? Read More »