Parents Also Need Healing

The family cannot offer useful strength and support to the teen addict in recovery if it falls apart, and as such it is vitally important for the family to look after itself as the addict recovers.

Alanon or Narcanon meetings have proven invaluable to many parents and families struggling through addiction; and the method of family preservation preached has been clinically proven very effective both for better family heath, and as a very effective way to support a recovering addict through the transition to sobriety. Experts recommend that families try a minimum of 6 meetings to best evaluate their comfort level with this style of peer group support.

The drug or alcohol addiction of an older sibling is statistically very likely to promote the later addiction of a younger sibling, and as such it is important that even when one member of the family requires an inordinate amount of attention, that other family members are not neglected. It's important to speak candidly about the situation with other siblings, and to thank then for any increasing responsibilities they may heave been required to take on as a result of the addiction of a brother or sister. Some one on one time with each child needs to be maintained, and important events like birthdays, and the attendance at plays, recitals and sporting events should be considered a continuing priority.

Parents should also examine their own alcohol and drug use, and should consider maintaining a drug and alcohol free home during the period of adolescence.