Admitting to yourself that you have an addiction is difficult, but talking about it with family and friends can be even more challenging. Some young adults may feel ashamed of their problem and not want to discuss it. But it is important to be open and honest so you can receive the support you need as you learn how to live a sober life. Ember Recovery understands how difficult it can be to be vulnerable, so we are sharing tips on how to hold discussions about young adults and addiction to help make those conversations productive and easier for everyone.
Why It’s Important to Talk About Addiction with Loved Ones
While it may not be the conversation you want to have, it is of the utmost importance. Being honest with your family and friends will give you relief and allow you to focus on your treatment plan. Hopefully, the reaction will provide support as you go through the treatment program and navigate your way to a sober life. Even if the conversation is rocky, knowing that you had the courage to speak about it should give you the confidence you need as you seek help.
Tips for Young Adults: Approaching the Topic of Addiction with Loved Ones
Have a Plan & Choose the Right Time
If you are looking to have a conversation about addiction with a loved one, it’s important to choose the right time to have this discussion and have a plan about what you want to say. Jot down some ideas to help you plan how to approach the topic. You may even want to practice what you will say in front of a mirror.
Once you have an idea of what you want to say, ask your loved ones when they would be available to discuss something very important to you, free of interruptions. You want to have their undivided attention during a serious and vulnerable conversation.
Be Open About Your Emotions & Reasons for Substance Use
These delicate conversations are bound to be emotional, so be prepared. You want to tell your loved ones how addiction has changed you and the reasons why you turned to substances. For some young adults, the reasons why they develop substance use disorders include trauma, peer pressure, and a family history of substance use.[1] Whatever the reason, ask for your family’s support and confront the emotions you are feeling, whether fear, anger, or resentment.
Have Someone By Your Side
If you already have a friend who is aware of your substance use problem and is supporting your effort for treatment, you may want to have them with you as you tell your family. This extra support can help you and show your family that people are standing by your side. This person can also help in the conversation if it gets too much for you to handle.
Explain That You Need Help & Support
One of the main reasons for this discussion is to express your need for help with addiction treatment. Explain that you will be getting help for substance abuse but need their support in the process. Whether they attend therapy sessions with you or provide an ear to listen, you want to be clear that their support is essential.
If you have not yet started treatment, you may ask them for help finding an appropriate program. This can be a great way for them to show support as you find your sober path. It can also be a good way for them to get involved in the treatment program by attending family therapy sessions.
Prepare for a Wide Range of Reactions
While you are hoping to hear words of support, be prepared for different reactions. Some loved ones may feel it’s their fault, while others may be angry. There is no right or wrong reaction because everyone thinks differently. Acknowledge their reactions, but stay strong as you admit your substance use and need for help.
Be Proud of Yourself
Don’t be ashamed to admit you are facing substance abuse. Be proud of yourself for owning your actions and having the courage to speak about them. If your loved ones see the sense of pride that you display, they will also be proud that you are facing your problems and seeking help.
Young Adults and Addiction: How Ember Recovery Can Help
The team at Ember Recovery is here to help young adults with substance use disorders. We focus solely on teens and young adults and the challenges they face during addiction so we know the types of treatment programs that can work best for them. We tailor each treatment program to the individual so they have the greatest chance of success. Our team has helped more than 5,000 young people across Iowa with substance abuse problems.
Our treatment programs include detox referrals, individualized recovery, and aftercare recovery planning. To learn more about how treatment from Ember Recovery can help your teen get onto the path of sobriety, call us today or reach out to us online.
Source:
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teen-drug-abuse/art-20045921
Andrea Dickerson is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Substance Use Counselor who has worked in behavioral health since 1997. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing the Ember residential treatment programs and YSS outpatient counseling clinics throughout Central and North Central Iowa. She became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer in 2006 and provides MI trainings throughout Iowa.
Andrea specializes in working with adolescents and their families and enjoys seeing the family relationships grow through therapy. Andrea is also a CARF International Surveyor, going around North America ensuring behavioral health organizations are meeting required standards.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, as well as being an active member of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), a global organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. She has been a member of the SI of Des Moines club since 2012 and has been actively involved at the regional level, currently serving as Co-Governor of the Peaks to Plains Region.
Through her involvement in SIA, Andrea has been actively involved in the Dream Programs, coordinating annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls projects, which give girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.