How to Support Your Child Through Drug Detox at Home: 4 Tips

Last updated on March 22nd, 2024 at 11:40 pm

The following content is for informational purposes only. This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are having a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

We all know raising a child today isn’t easy–and it isn’t cheap. If you add to that any serious medical issues, you not only have more worry, but family finances can become severely strained.

A concern for many parents over the last several years is that more and more teenagers are suffering from drug addiction, particularly when it comes to prescription drugs. As you know, it’s now become a national crisis, with increasing numbers of overdoses in young people. In fact, rehabilitation centers for prescription drugs and other types of additions are becoming harder to get into and more expensive.

Naturally, while a treatment center is the best place for someone to get the help they need, with intensive programs and treatment tailored to the individual, it’s not always immediately accessible. That means outpatient treatment may be the way to go following drug detox at home.

Millions of people have successfully detoxed at home and gone on to make a full recovery, and if your teenager is suffering from drug addiction, it could be the first step to getting them back on the right path. 

It’s recommended to first consult your physician or healthcare professional before taking this on at home. Your full support will be vital, and you must create a safe environment for your teen if you’re looking at having to do a drug detox at home. Professional supervision and support increase a person’s chance of successful, long-term recovery. 

As in any situation, if you become concerned, or your child shows signs of distress, consult a doctor. Of course, call 911 if there is a medical emergency.

How to Support Your Child Through Drug Detox at Home

Clear out all of their drug stashes

First things first–you need to make sure there are no traces of drugs in the house. Your child will need to be honest with you, and tell you where they keep their stashes, but it’s also important that you search their room and the house to ensure there are no hidden drugs.

Cravings will kick in, so if there are drugs lying around, your child will undoubtedly fall prey to temptation.

Ensure there’s plenty of food and hydration

Stock the house full of healthy food and drink as it’s important that your teen gets the nutrition they need. During a drug detox at home, there will be periods where they have a loss of appetite, but it’s important that they still get the vitamins and nutrients they need. Things like smoothies and shakes can be useful, but also make sure they have well-balanced meals. This is vital in the recovery process.

Be there to support them

A drug detox at home can have its risks. Symptoms of withdrawal can be severe and require medical attention, so you will need to monitor your child to ensure they’re safe. Not only is it important to be there to monitor their progress, but also to offer guidance, support, and a bit of company to pass the time.

All of this may mean you need to take time off from work, and of course, your child will need to take time away from school, and work if they have a job. However, your child needs to know that treating their illness is top priority, so regularly praising and supporting them throughout the process help ensure they know that what they’re doing is important. 

Create a support network

You don’t have to be the only one in your child’s support network. Other family members and friends can be part of the support team too. As long as your teenager agrees, this can actually help them feel more valued and loved. They’ll also have a larger group of supporters who can help keep them committed to their sobriety after the initial drug detox and into their ongoing recovery.

Conclusion

Navigating a child’s struggle with drug addiction can be daunting! It’s crucial to consult healthcare professionals for guidance and to create a supportive environment, ensuring safety and supporting your child’s emotional well-being throughout the process. With love, vigilance, and a network of support, parents can empower their children to take the first steps toward recovery with confidence.

Also read:
Talking to Teens About Money: 4 Important Tips
Should I Let My Teen Sleep All Day? 7 Helpful Sleep Tips for Teenagers

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