Struggling with drug or alcohol addiction is challenging in and of itself. But, getting drug addiction help is a whole new challenge that people living with drug addiction may face. Part of getting drug addiction help is reaching out to loved ones and letting them know about your struggle with addiction. For young adults, this means telling your parents and discussing options for drug addiction help through treatment. Undoubtedly, this is a daunting task for young adults who are ready to heal and begin the journey to recovery. But, fortunately, there are some things young adults can do to prepare for this conversation in order to improve the chance that it will have a positive outcome.

Some things young adults who are struggling with addiction can do to prepare for a conversation with their parents about getting addiction help can include:

Think About What You’re Going to Say

The first thing you can do when you’re preparing to talk to loved ones about getting drug addiction help is to think about what you will say. When you pinpoint precisely the point you want to make and prepare for what you’re going to say, it can seem less overwhelming than coming up with something on the spot. It can also make it more effective in getting your point across. Some examples of how to start the conversation off can include:

“I have something important I’d like to discuss with you.”
“There’s something I want to talk to you about that I’ve been wanting to address for a while.”
“I’d like to talk about getting drug addiction help with you.”

Determine When and Where You’ll Bring Up the Conversation

Another thing you can plan before bringing up the conversation is when and where the conversation will take place. This can be helpful to plan because it can make both you and your parent(s) feel more comfortable and safe. When it comes to choosing the place, make sure that you choose somewhere that will allow you to have the privacy you need. Most people choose to have this conversation at home because it’s private and comfortable. When it comes to choosing the right time, make sure that you start the conversation when everyone is available without any scheduling conflicts. This way, no one has to leave in the middle of the conversation to tend to other things.

Expect to Be Vulnerable and Share How You Really Feel

It’s important when talking to your parents about getting help for addiction that you are honest about your experience and how you really feel. When you can provide your parents with insight into how it is to live with addiction, they are more likely to be open to hearing and accepting the fact that you need help. This can include bringing up some vulnerable things like your experience with trying to stop using in the past, your symptoms, and the negative emotions you may be feeling.

Help Your Parents Better Understand Addiction

During your conversation with your parents, it can be helpful to help them better understand what addiction is. This way, they can better understand why it’s so important that you get the help you need. This can include letting them know that addiction is a mental health issue rather than a choice. And, that the stigma surrounding addiction negatively affects a person’s chance to get the help they need. When parents are more knowledgeable about addiction, they are more likely to be less judgmental and more supportive during the recovery process.

Help for Young Adults Living With Substance Use Disorder

Are you thinking of telling your parents that you need help with addiction, have you already told your parents that you need help with addiction, or are you a parent of a young adult living with addiction? The next step is getting help through mental health treatment, like the programs and services offered at Yellowbrick. At Yellowbrick, our mission is to help young adults living with mental health issues, like substance use disorders, learn and utilize resources that can help them improve their daily lives and mental well-being. Find out more about our facilities located in Evanston, IL on our website today.