My Son Has A Drug Addiction, What Do I Do?

As a parent, one of the greatest challenges you can face is having a son with drug addiction. You may feel at a loss if your son is a drug addict. Keep in mind that individuals with addiction require limits, boundaries, and consequences. Helping your son to recover from drug addiction takes time and patience. You can help your son experiencing substance addiction through the following.          

Identify the signs of addiction 

If you think that your son has a drug addiction, you should know the signs. Mostly, the top indicators for addiction are behavioral changes. Some of these symptoms include:

  • Solitude, isolation, and secrecy
  • Difficulty in sleeping 
  • Dropping activities and hobbies
  • Doing things out of character such as stealing and more

Setting boundaries 

If your son demands money or stealing money from you, cut off these channels as soon as possible. You can implement a gentle approach for successful results. Personal responsibility is essential during the healing process, so you need to be involved in the unfavorable situation of your child. 

Never blame your son or yourself 

As a father or mother, it is natural that you feel responsible for your child. However, try to understand the situation instead of playing the blame game. Continue loving your child while finding the solution to their addiction. With this, you can establish trust and convince your son into treatment.

Communicate 

Honest and clear communication is essential to practice daily. It can help you observe symptoms, gauge your son and discover issues early to react in the best way. You should practice attentive listening and ask questions regularly. It is also beneficial to know more about your son’s feelings, struggles, concerns, and hopes.

Take care of yourself

It can’t be denied that having a son with drug addiction can affect you emotionally. It can lead you to suffer from stress, insomnia, or anxiety. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t make healthy decisions for your son. So, make sure to practice self-care while dealing with your son’s drug abuse problem. Take care of your mental health too. It is a good idea to have someone to talk about your son’s situation to process your emotions and feelings better.

Seek long-term treatment 

Drug addiction can’t be treated quickly; that’s why you should seek long-term treatment. You can opt for live-in facilities and sober living communities that offer comprehensive service for an addict who must be sober and stay sober as they leave the facility. Remember that drug addiction recovery is personal. It is better to choose the right treatment center that can heal your son while staying safe. 

Never give up 

Drug addiction is a chronic illness, so shower your son with support and love after they finish their treatment program. There is a tendency to have a relapse, but they can continue to fight. Luckily, there is a relapse prevention program that can help your child to stay sober. 

Conclusion 

Having a son with drug addiction is a serious matter. With this, you should know what to do to help your child recover from this illness. By following the tips we mentioned above, you can help your son to get the best drug addiction treatment he deserves. …

The State Of Mental Health Post The Peak Of Coronavirus

Currently, the world still suffers from a pandemic due to the Coronavirus outbreak. During the peak of Coronavirus, many individuals suffer from hopelessness, panic, anxiety, loneliness, and stress. According to reports, about one in ten individuals in the UK had suicidal feelings or thoughts. 

In other words, Coronavirus greatly affects the state of mental health of many people all over the world. Specific population groups in society had a higher risk of suffering poor well-being and mental health than those who have more advantaged positions. In addition, there are also people suffering from mental distress due to discrimination, prejudice, and isolation because of other identities according to ethnicity, gender, status, residency, disability, and sexual orientation. 

The lockdown measures worsen mental problems among people due to the economic and Coronavirus consequences.

Mental health post the peak of the pandemic 

The state of mental health post the peak of Coronavirus gets better in some populations in the world. For example, you can now cope with the virus’ consequences due to change in working conditions, education access, and income. 

Even though you’re not physically close to your family and friend, you can connect to them through online technology. The mental health of certain groups improved a little bit post the peak of the pandemic. On the other hand, some individuals are still experiencing mental health problems after the peak of the pandemic. Staying at home and personal distancing are also associated with symptoms of GAD (generalized anxiety disorder, depression, insomnia, intrusive thoughts, and acute stress. 

The need for mental health services

Coronavirus increased the need for mental health services. Fear, bereavement, financial problems, and isolation can also increase the risk for mental health conditions. It can also lead to insomnia, anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol use. 

Patients with preexisting neurological, mental, and substance use disorders are also prone to other infections and even death. Mental health practitioners and psychiatrists offer help to primary care physicians for treating mental health problems like depression and anxiety. 

Tips for maintaining good mental health during the pandemic 

Pandemic affects the life of all people in the world regardless of status, age, and gender. With this, you need to practice a healthy lifestyle to prevent mental health. The following are some tips to keep good mental health during these times of Coronavirus. 

Eat healthy diet

Eating healthy foods can keep you healthy and improve your immune system against Coronavirus and other diseases. 

Exercise regularly

Staying active can help you lower your stress levels. 

Connect with your family and friends

With a difficult time like this pandemic, you need a strong support system. So, communicate with your loved ones. 

Drink more water

Keep yourself hydrated to improve your immune system.

Develop new hobbies

You can also enjoy your hobbies to avoid boredom and stress.

Stay positive in life

Your mindset is essential to prevent mental problems during this pandemic.

Follow safety protocol 

Make sure to follow safety protocol to fight against covid-19.

Sleep well  

Proper sleep can improve your immune system and overall health. 

Conclusion 

Generally, Coronavirus greatly impacts the mental health of people across the globe. Like what we mentioned above, more populations worldwide are suffering from mental health problems like depression, loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and more. 

With the consequences of the pandemic, many people lose their jobs. …

Top Helplines

In times of need, don’t worry because there is someone that can help you. The following are top helplines you can rely on for your specific needs. 

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) 

It provides online and in-person forums and support groups (800-826-3632.)

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) 

They offer information on treatment, symptoms, and prevention of depression, anxiety, and other related conditions (240-485-1001.)

Sidran Institute 

It helps people to manage, understand and treat dissociation and trauma. They keep a helpline for referrals and information (410-825-8888.)

Treatment and Research Advancements for Borderline Personality Disorder (TARA) 

This helpline provides referral information, education, support, and treatment options for BPD (888-482-7227.

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) 

It offers referrals and information on ADHD like online support teams (800-233-4050.)

National Center for Excellence for Eating Disorders (NCEED) 

They can offer reliable, up-to-date, and evidence-based information regarding eating disorders (800-931-2237.) 

Conclusion 

You deserve a better and happy life. So, don’t bottle your emotions and choose the top helplines to solve your families. …