Drug Addiction and Blended Families: Dealing with a Stepchild’s Drug Addiction
Blending two families after a new marriage comes with a myriad of challenges. Disparate personalities must learn to live and work together in a new home, which is made even more difficult when all or some of the kids are not totally on board with the new situation. When one of your new stepchildren has a drug problem, this can make the blending process all the more difficult and cause problems between you and your new spouse. Addressing your stepchild’s drug problem can be even touchier, then, than if it were your biological child. Here are a few points to consider.
A Stepchild’s Drug Addiction: Assessing the Situation
First of all, you will want to make sure that the issue your stepchild is dealing with is truly drug addiction and not, for example, drug abuse or bad behavior meant to get your spouse’s attention. Acting out against a new marriage or a divorce they didn’t want or ask for may be the starting point for addictive behavior, but it’s also a cry for help and one that, if heeded early, can help your stepchild bypass drug addiction.
Full blown drug addiction can be identified by a general and long lasting pattern of behavior that includes lying, stealing, hiding drugs and paraphernalia, mood swings and depression, a decline in hygiene and self-care as well as lost interest in former friends who are more “straight,” hobbies and school work.
A Stepchild’s Drug Addiction: Talking to Your Partner
When you have ascertained that your stepchild is either abusing drugs in an attempt to get your spouse’s attention or dealing with a serious drug addiction that requires drug addiction treatment, your next step should be to talk to your partner. He or she may not want to hear what you have to say and may argue with you over the existence of the problem or whether or not it is serious enough to do anything about, but you have to voice your concerns.
If your partner doesn’t seem receptive to the conversation the first time you try, give them some space and try again later. They may already recognize the problem but just not be ready to deal with it yet. While that’s a fair response, it is a serious issue and after a bit of time has passed, it’s important that you bring it up again. If you or your partner wishes, it may be an issue to discuss with a family therapist so that you can keep the conversation productive and focus on a plan.
Getting Drug Addiction Treatment for Your Stepchild
If you and your partner agree that your stepchild needs drug addiction treatment, the next step is an intervention. Here, you and your partner will be able to confront your stepchild on his or her drug addiction with two goals in mind: to help him or her to understand the serious nature of the disease and to invite them to enter drug rehab immediately. Before you begin, you should speak with a drug rehab center and secure a spot for your stepchild.
If your loved one is over the age of 18, Michael’s House can provide your stepchild with the drug and alcohol addiction treatment he or she needs. Call 1-877-345-8494 for more information.
