Empowering Parents: A Guide to Addressing Addiction in your Child’s Life

It’s hard to imagine that children can become addicted to drugs or alcohol, but the sad reality is that it is more common than many people realise. Between 2021 and 2022 there were just under 1000 children under the age of 14 in contact with addiction treatment services in the UK.  This represents just a small percentage of the number of children living with addiction. Whether you want to start a conversation around drugs and alcohol with your child or are struggling to cope with your child’s addiction, the information below will be useful to you.

Why is it important to talk to children about drugs and alcohol?

Many parents feel uncomfortable about the idea of speaking to their children about drugs, alcohol and addiction. They worry that it will make them curious and could potentially encourage them to try substances.

It’s important to remember that children don’t have a lot of information about drugs and alcohol. If you don’t teach them about the dangers of substance use, they won’t be able to make an informed decision and may end up trying them without knowing the facts.

Children will eventually be exposed to alcohol or drugs in some way, whether through TV and movies or their own friends. It’s better that they learn the information from you as early as possible – 7% of 11 year olds in the UK admit to having already tried drugs, with the most common being cannabis.

Speaking to your child about drugs and alcohol is a good opportunity to set boundaries, so your child is aware of the rules. If you have a healthy relationship with your child, they will listen and respect your rules.

How do I talk to my child about drugs and alcohol?

Starting a conversation about drugs and alcohol with your child can help them make better choices and show that you are here to support them.

It’s important to make it clear that you do not want them to use drugs or alcohol. It may not always feel like it, but your behaviour around these substances has a big influence on your child, so showing them how you feel can go a long way towards combating substance use.

Don’t just lecture your child about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Instead, let them know that you don’t want them to use these substances because you care about their safety and happiness – you’re not simply trying to spoil their fun.

Demonstrate that you care enough about them by taking an interest in their plans and daily life, but try to do this subtly. If they don’t think they can get away with using substances behind your back, they will be less likely to try.

You can be a reliable source of information for your child about drugs and alcohol. Let them know that they can ask and tell you anything without judgement – this can help them to feel comfortable about coming to you in a tricky situation.

Make a plan with your child about what they will do if they are offered drugs or alcohol. You could role-play potential situations with them and practice saying no. This will help them to feel more confident and prepared to deal with peer pressure in the future.

What are the signs of addiction that I should watch out for in my child?

Addiction can be difficult for children to overcome, but the chances of recovery increase the earlier the addiction is detected. As a parent, you are in the best position to observe your child’s behaviour and watch out for the below signs of addiction.

1. Mood swings and/or mental health problems

It’s normal for children to experience mood swings, particularly as they become teenagers. But if these seem particularly intense it may be a sign of addiction, especially if your child begins to show signs of a mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression.

This can be one of the most difficult signs to look out for as it is so common among adolescents, but it’s important to be mindful.

2. Poor performance at school

If your child isn’t showing up for school on a regular basis, this may be reflected in a drop in their marks. Addiction can cause children to become unconcerned about their performance at school, often skipping classes and not studying for tests.

If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance or marks, speak to the school directly to get to the root of the problem.

3. Friendship changes

Significant changes in friendships can be another common side effect of entering adolescence, but it can also be a sign of addiction.

Your child may suddenly begin spending time with a new crowd of friends and drop contact with their old ones. These new friends may use drugs and alcohol with your child, and their old friends may fade away as they no longer have anything in common.

4. Missing or unexplained money

You may notice small amounts of money or valuable items going missing from your home, or your child may suddenly begin to have money of their own without explanation.

This can be a sign that they are stealing from you to fund their own drug or alcohol use, or are potentially selling drugs themselves.

5. Physical and behavioural changes

Addiction is often secretive, but over time it can cause physical and behavioural changes that can be very difficult to hide.

Your child may become withdrawn and secretive, their pupils may be large, their hands may shake, their behaviour may change drastically each day or they may gain or lose weight with no obvious explanation.

Why do children and young people use drugs and alcohol?

There is usually a reason behind a child’s use of drugs and alcohol, so understanding these common emotional and behavioural factors can help you set your child up for success:

• Some children may feel pressured by their friends to use drugs or alcohol, have a desire to fit in with what everyone else is doing or simply feel curious about the effects of these substances.
• If a child has experienced trauma then they are more likely to use drugs and alcohol. This can include assault, bullying or witnessing a traumatic event.
• Starting to use substances at a young age can change the neural pathways in the brain and make the child more likely to develop an addiction.
• Having a family history of addiction increases the chances of a child using substances and developing an addiction. This may be due to genetics or simply growing up in an environment where drug and alcohol use is normalised.
• If a child has trouble connecting with family at home or struggles to make friends, they are more likely to use drugs or alcohol.
• Some children with a mental health disorder such as anxiety, depression or ADHD may use substances to self-medicate.

What should I do if I find out my child is using drugs or alcohol?

If you find out that your child is using drugs and alcohol, don’t just ignore it.

While many young people experiment with substances, with 48% of young people under 14 having already tried alcohol, this can quickly escalate into an addiction.

It’s important to remain calm. Your child is less likely to listen and respect your views if you are shouting or panicking. Instead, gather evidence to support your reasoning and try to anticipate any excuses they may come up with.

When you speak to them, make sure they know that you are concerned about their behaviour and that it doesn’t have any impact on how you view them as a person. Ask questions to understand their thoughts and emphasise how important it is to be honest with you.

Most importantly, follow up with your child after the conversation. Don’t just assume that they have stopped using drugs or alcohol. Show that you care about them and keep the conversation open.

What impact does having an addiction have on a child?

Addiction can infiltrate every aspect of your child’s life and will have an extremely negative impact on their future if left untreated.

From physical and mental health problems to an increased risk of premature death, see below for some of the most common impacts of addiction on children.

1. Brain development

Your child’s brain is still growing and won’t finish fully developing until around the age of 25. Using drugs and alcohol at this crucial time can have a detrimental effect on brain growth, leading to lower critical thinking and judgement skills and even a physically smaller brain.

Addiction can also change the neural pathways in the brain, making your child more susceptible to addiction even as an adult.

2. Mental health issues

Addiction and mental health issues often go hand-in-hand, and it can be difficult to know which came first. Did your child start using drugs or alcohol to alleviate the symptoms of their mental health issue, or were they caused by the substance use?

Depression, anxiety and schizophrenia are commonly associated with addiction, and it’s thought that substance use from an early age can increase the chances of developing one of these mental health disorders.

3. Increased risk of accident and death

Children and young people who use drugs or alcohol are more likely to be involved in an accident. 25% of drivers killed in the UK every year due to drunk driving are under the age of 17.

They are also at a higher risk of overdose, being injured in a fight or contracting a sexually transmitted infection such as HIV or hepatitis.

4. Lack of opportunities

Many children and young people who are struggling with addiction do not prioritise education or work. This can severely limit their earning potential as they may not complete their schooling or go on to higher education.

They are also at greater risk of teenage pregnancy, which can completely change the course of their lives. Additionally, getting into legal trouble as a teenager can follow them through to adulthood and restrict their future employment or travel plans.

5. Physical and behavioural changes

Addiction is often secretive, but over time it can cause physical and behavioural changes that can be very difficult to hide.

Your child may become withdrawn and secretive, their pupils may be large, their hands may shake, their behaviour may change drastically each day or they may gain or lose weight with no obvious explanation. When such signs persist, they may indicate a deeper issue that calls for professional drug treatment in Ohio (or your local area) to help your child safely and effectively begin the path to recovery.

How can I support my child with an addiction?

It can be hard to watch your child struggle with addiction, but you can take an active role in their recovery by supporting them:

• Work on your relationship and communication skills with your child. If they are struggling with addiction, they may have been dishonest in the past and broken your trust. You can both repair this by keeping the lines of communication open and asking open-ended questions such as, ‘How can I support you today?’
• Set healthy boundaries and decide which behaviours you will and won’t accept. Will you allow them to use substances in your home? Will you prioritise your child’s needs over your own? Once you have established these boundaries, make sure to stick to them.
• Research as much as possible about addiction – being informed will help you to make better decisions about your child’s support and recovery.
• Work with your child to develop guidelines. These are clear rules and expectations that they must adhere to, with consequences if they are not followed.
• Avoid enabling your child. This can be difficult when you love them and want to protect them, but enabling them will only cause more harm long term. This includes lying for them, making excuses for their behaviour and giving them money to buy drugs or alcohol.

Seeking professional support for addiction at drug and alcohol rehab

Addiction is complex and multi-faceted, particularly when it comes to children. In many cases, your child will need professional treatment in order to recover.

Navigating the various treatment options available can be overwhelming for parents already dealing with a child’s addiction. It’s crucial to find a clinic that is CQC-regulated, ensuring high standards of care and safety. Services like Alcohol rehab can connect families with suitable facilities across the UK, including regions like London, Wales, and Scotland. They focus on personalised treatment plans, covering detox, therapy, and long-term support for a full recovery journey, offering peace of mind during a challenging time.  

A great source of information and support is Rehab Recovery, an organisation that can refer you to a treatment programme or rehab clinic in Birmingham that will support your child in their recovery.

There are many rehabs across the UK that specialise in treating child and teenage addiction. For those seeking a more tailored experience, luxury rehab facilities offer a serene and supportive environment, combining high-end amenities with expert care to ensure a comprehensive and comfortable recovery journey.

If addiction is not treated early in your child’s life, it can lead to ongoing dependency as an adult which can severely impact their life or even cut it short – there were 2,846 drug-related deaths in England during 2022.