Drug Rehab: What to Tell Your Kids
Some parents believe they should protect their children from their addiction when they seek treatment at drug rehab. Go ahead and let that go. No matter how well you believe you hid your drug addiction from them, your children know. They’ve watched you struggle with it for years, and they are scared. The fact that you are getting drug addiction treatment will give them hope. Make sure to include them in the entire process -before you go, while you’re away and after you get back -giving them the space they need to feel what they need to feel along the way.
Before Drug Rehab: Tell Your Kids What to Expect
Before you go to drug rehab, sit down with your kids and talk to them about it. Tell them about the treatment center, show them pictures and brochures and talk to them about the details of the program you have chosen. Talk about the schedule, what time you’ll get up, when you’ll eat, the therapies you’ll be involved in. Let them know that there are rules at drug rehab and that you won’t be able to talk on the phone or have visits with them too often, especially in the beginning. Find out when the first family visiting day is and when you’ll be able to call home and put it on the calendar for them before you go. Make sure that whomever will be caring for your children while you are away is aware of these dates and times and will help your kids to remember them.
During Drug Rehab: Communicating with Your Kids
While you are away, you won’t have a lot of control of when you can talk to your children. Make sure to call whenever you get a chance and when (and if) you have access to email or letter writing, make sure to reach out in that way, too. Plan ahead for visiting day and think about what they might like to do when they come see you. If your treatment center has a pool, find out if your family will be able to use it. When they arrive, show them the pictures you have of them in your room and let them know how much you miss them and can’t wait to come home.
After Drug Rehab: Helping Your Kids Adapt
When you return home after drug rehab, it can be a difficult time for everyone. Your kids may not know what to expect or they may have a very definite idea of what you will be like. They may be angry about your addiction or have high expectations for your behavior. Though you, too, will have a hard time acclimating, make sure to allow them the space they need to be angry or sad or excited.
If you need help, family therapy is an option. At Michael’s House, we include family when it’s appropriate during your alcohol rehab treatment program. You can continue this after you return home until you find balance after treatment. Call us now to get started.
