Substance abuse and addiction are major problems for American society. Families coping with addiction are in a constant state of chaos. Spouses and children of addicts are especially in danger of physical, emotional and mental abuse and overall harm. Getting help for an addicted loved one can seem like an ominous task, but help is easier to find than might be expected. Speaking to family and friends is the best way to get help initially. Addiction affects millions of American families every year, but unfortunately only a small number of addicts get the treatment they need to overcome their addiction. Interventions are wonderful tools that many families use to get an addict the help they need. Interventions can be a sensitive matter and should only include those who can contribute to the intervention.
Addiction is Unique Problem
Addiction has been studied intensely by professionals for decades. As science, medicine and technology continue to unlock more and more doors of our minds and bodies we discover more. Even with all of these advances more questions seem to be created than those being answered. Addiction and the body continue to be a bit of a mystery. We have yet to discover what causes addiction. Why is it that some individuals can use and abuse drugs and/or alcohol without falling victim to addiction or dependency. What we do understand is that addiction can be caused by a number of different characteristics. Environment, psychology and genetics have all a hand to play in whether or not an individual becomes addicted to substances. As is the case, confrontation and treatment must meet the needs of the individual. This is why addiction does not have a cure. Should young children be part of their parent’s intervention?
Young Children and Interventions
Interventions are great tools that family and friends use to address substance abuse and addiction in a loved one. They can be very helpful in getting an addict to finally address their problem. Families and friends are able to voice their problems with the addict and show them that their actions are hurting others around them. Many addicts do not see their substance abuse as a problem with anyone else; rather it is their own choice and their ‘own’ life they are destroying. When the addict sees that their addiction is hurting others they often realize the damage they are causing and agree to get help. These organized meetings must be dialed in before they are put into action. As such, it is important to understand that not all members of the family or friends should be involved. Anyone who is not mature enough to handle the situation should not be invited. Those who enable the addictive behavior and are not in agreement with the process or those who are abusing drugs are alcohol should not be a part of the intervention. Which raises the question, should children be involved in their parent’s intervention? Since each case is different it will depend on the situation. If there is a chance of physical altercation or an escalation of violence (verbal or physical), then the child should not be involved. If it is going to cause problems, then they should not be present either. On the other hand, if the child can help the addicted parent accept their addiction and want help than they should be involved. This is a sensitive situation and should be handled with immense precaution.
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