Perhaps one of the worst prospects a grown child can face is the fact that their parent is abusing prescription drugs. After living a wonderful life with your mother or father, you eventually find out that they are popping opioids or consuming dangerous quantities of benzodiazepines. Ultimately, you are left in a quandary about how you can help your parent. On one hand, this man or woman has been by your side during the most difficult of times, but, on the other hand, your mother or father may become extremely defensive about this issue (due to having a substance use disorder). So, what are you supposed to do? Let’s take a closer look at how you can help your parent.
An Unsettling Situation
Although you might not want to fully accept that your parents are addicted to a dangerous prescription drug, you will have to face the facts in order to help your mother or father. Here are some signs that one of your parents is suffering from a severe drug problem:
- Consuming more of the drug than prescribed by the doctor
- Stealing drugs or trading them illegally
- Purposefully losing or claiming to miss prescriptions to get more of them
- Double doctoring (doctor shopping) to get more of a drug
- Acting high or completely uncoordinated
- Poor sleep patterns and an inability to focus
A Family Affair
Ultimately, the issue of a family member abusing prescription drugs is a matter that can be primarily introduced to your family doctor, who will be able to help you find a high-quality treatment program for your mother or father. In the event that outpatient or short-term treatment proves inefficient, you can always help your parent find a residential treatment facility. (Also, consider locations that offer therapy for comorbid mental health problems, in the event your parents already have one.)
Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse or Addiction
For individuals suffering from drug abuse and addiction, the path to healing can sometimes feel like a distant flicker of light in the darkness. Sometimes, you may feel like you are sinking into the muck and are unable to reach your prize. However, you must stay strong and be patient. With the right resources and a little bit of love for yourself, you can easily overcome your sickness and become healthy once more.
If you are suffering from a severe case of drug addiction or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
