How Moms of Young Children Can Access Addiction Treatment

Being a mother is a full-time job. While rewarding and meaningful, it can also be incredibly stressful and place a lot of pressure on mothers. Often, mothers are suffering in silence in order to provide a better life for their children while they put themselves in harm’s way to try and relieve some pain or stress. Eventually, they may even end up with a dangerous substance abuse problem.

Since being a mother is such a difficult job and requires constant vigilance, many mothers fail to seek treatment for substance abuse due to lack of time or lack of funds. However, help is available. Mothers of children of all ages, even young children, can find the help they deserve to provide a better life for themselves and their children.

You can only do so much before your substance abuse problem begins to affect those around you, particularly your children. Your addiction makes them vulnerable, too, which is all the more reason to seek help. It will not be easy, but it will be rewarding and worth it in the end.

Experts that specialize in working with young adults can help. There are programs out there specially designed for your needs as a mother that works around your schedule.

If you’re on the fence about seeking treatment, you should know that it’s more accessible than you think – here are a few tips to help you begin your recovery journey.

Know Your Childcare Options

Often, treating substance abuse means inpatient treatments, so you may need someone to care for your children while you get help. Most centers allow visitors so you will not be completely separated from them, but you will need someone you trust wholeheartedly to care for your child while you are on your road to recovery.

Some centers may be able to help you find childcare if you are unable to have a family member care for them. They want what is best for you, and they want to help you as much as they can as you begin your substance abuse treatment. Some may even have daycare centers on-site so that you don’t have the extra burden of going and finding childcare on your own.

Trust That You Will Not Lose Them

Many mothers fear to lose their children as a consequence of seeking rehab. However, that is not the truth. Seeking treatment will actually solidify you as a supportive and loving parent, as you are seeking to improve your own life and your abilities as a mother. This is why rehab centers will typically either take care of your children or help you set up proper care with a trusted relative.

Remember, a court is more likely to believe that you are a responsible parent if you seek help than if you let your substance abuse get to the point of overdose.

Include Your Children in Substance Abuse Therapy

This does not sound like a good idea on paper to many parents – they do not want to seem weak or incapable in their children’s eyes. However, many rehab centers utilize “play therapy”, which is a way for children to process and discuss their own fears and concerns without the fear of parent retaliation.

As a mother, you are not the only one suffering from your substance abuse, and you want to be sure that your child is secure and happy as you begin your own journey.

Have an Adult Support System

You love your children, but a child can only help you and support you to a certain point. Other adults can understand your situation far more than your child can, and having someone to hold your hand on your journey can do wonders. You do not need to face your substance abuse addiction alone, though, in the end, it is only you who can conquer it, for yourself and for your family.

A mother’s primary concern is the well-being of her children, so it can be hard to find the time to seek help. Many mothers will not seek substance abuse treatment out of fear or inconvenience, but there are accessible programs out there that can help mothers recover from their harmful addictions. You are not alone.