As a parent in treatment, you may constantly worry about the well-being of your children. It is a frightening reality to know that you are not only responsible for your health, but for your child’s. This is especially true when you can’t be home with them.
However, it is possible to succeed in treatment while maintaining a healthy life for your child. This article will look at the unique situation of moms in treatment, when your children should visit, and lastly, how treatment can be discussed with them.
Mothers in Treatment
According to the International Journal of High Risk Behaviors and Addiction, 32.4% of patients admitted to addiction treatment were women. The majority of these women were also mothers or the primary caregiver of a child. You are not alone in your struggle. The reality of needing to care for two lives can be a frightening thought. Yet, your treatment is the ticket to a happy life for you both you and your child. In fact, having a child can have a positive effect on change in a mother’s life. It helps you to realign your priorities and find what means most to you.
There are many concerns for mothers going into treatment. You may worry about your finances, how your child will be affected, and if people will look down on you. There are several options for financial support.
Many organizations see the importance of supporting women in treatment. This extends to childcare services and school programs. No one looks down on your progress. In fact, they want to help in any way they can to assist you to succeed in your addiction treatment. At the end of the day, you are making this decision for your future. You want to look back and know you took the right path and achieve long-term sobriety.
When to Visit
As a mother in treatment, the anxiety associated with when you will be able to see your child can be real. Many moms don’t like going long times without seeing their children. This is no difference in treatment. However, treatment takes extreme willpower and focus. It gives you space where you can focus on yourself and your growth. Yet, there can be a balance.
During the detox period, you won’t want any visitors. This will be because you are working the last of a substance out of your body which may lead to a high-stress state. Visitors are typically not allowed during this time. This is also true for early treatment, directly after detox.
As a new client, you should take time to focus on your emotional state and set a good basis for upcoming treatment. Children most often visit during family therapy sessions. This allows you to not only see your children but gives you the space to talk with them about addiction treatment. This therapy time is crucial for strong family relationships.
Open Communication
Before starting treatment, it is important to discuss the situation with your child. Kids are very observant and probably suspect something is not right. For younger kids, you want to assure them that you are not leaving them, but you are taking time to get better from sickness. With older children, you may want to discuss the addiction with them further and explain how addiction is a disease.
Finally, you will want to stress that your rehabilitation is the best way to treat this sickness. This helps soothe their anxiety when you finally leave for treatment and helps them compartmentalize the situation. Letting them know they will see you in treatment also gives them something to look forward to.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), parents have a huge influence on how kids view drugs and alcohol. You now have a way to teach them about these substances and how to handle them when they arrive. Most kids don’t understand the threats behind drinking and drugs.
Your discussion of the topic can show that you know firsthand the effects of addiction, helping them see its destructive sides. When these issues are not addressed, kids notice. They may make the assumption that it is not as bad as they think. They need to know the dangers and how they can preserve their health as they mature.
Getting Better
The bond between a mother and child is truly special. It is a relationship that cannot be replaced or replicated. First Steps Recovery is devoted to protecting this connection while providing the best treatment possible. If you are struggling with addiction, make the decision to prioritize your treatment. First Steps Recovery doesn’t want you to just be free from addiction, but to be sober for your children. Together long-term sobriety can be achieved.
Addiction is a disease that not only hurts you but affects those around you. As a mother, anything hurting your child can be your worst nightmare. We recognize this concern and are committed to helping moms return to a life of happy motherhood. Our facility provides a variety of experts, clinicians, and therapists dedicated to helping pull you out of the deceptions of addiction. We want to dismantle the lies you have heard about substance abuse. You are not alone and you can make it through. A life of sobriety is not just a dream, can be your reality. Make the decision today. For more information about our services and facilities, call First Steps Recovery: (844) 489-0836.
Addiction is a disease that not only hurts you but affects those around you. As a mother, anything hurting your child can be your worst nightmare. We recognize this concern and are committed to helping moms return to a life of happy motherhood. Our facility provides a variety of experts, clinicians, and therapists dedicated to helping pull you out of the deceptions of addiction. We want to dismantle the lies you have heard about substance abuse. You are not alone and you can make it through. A life of sobriety is not just a dream, can be your reality. Make the decision today. For more information about our services and facilities, call First Steps Recovery: (844) 489-0836.
