You may remember the day that your grandson was born like it was yesterday. There’s something amazing about holding a newborn in your arms that has such hope for a bright future. While you might not have ever imagined back then that you’d be dealing with this today, addiction has a sad way of creeping into even the most innocent person’s life. Realizing that your grandson has an addiction is frightening, and you might even feel a little disappointed in yourself, his parents and his inability to just stop using drugs. While this is a normal reaction, it is important to do your best to get past it. Asking how to save a 19-year-old grandson who is addicted to drugs means that you know that there is hope for him to recover and live a better life. Knowing what to do is your next step towards making sure that this happens.
The first thing you need to do to save your grandson is let go of the past. He might’ve done things to hurt you that you just can’t forget. However, forgiveness is a powerful force in the face of addiction. Take a moment to do what it takes to focus on helping your grandson heal. You can write a letter that you’ll never send, send up prayers or meditate until you get into a positive mindset. Then, set your chin high and begin the next steps of making sure that your grandson gets help.
Confirm Your Suspicions That Your Grandson Is Dealing With an Addiction
You may have spent some time questioning whether what you are seeing is true. Grandparents often see only the best in their grandkids, which can sometimes blur your thoughts. If you’ve been waffling over whether or not to confront your grandson’s addiction, then it may help to read through this list of signs that he is using drugs.
- noticing that he has major changes in his behavior
- having to turn down his frequent requests for money
- hearing about his legal troubles
- seeing physical signs of drug use such as red eyes or weight loss
- witnessing him using drugs regularly or finding paraphernalia.
It can also help to identify other people who have witnessed these signs of drug misuse so that you can reach out to them for support. Keep in mind, however, that his parents could be in denial or dealing with an addiction of their own. His friends might also be doing drugs with him, which makes them more willing to cover up his behavior. Make sure to consider each source carefully. Once you identify strong, sober supporters, ask them to work with you on planning an intervention.
Implement a Plan for a Compassionate Intervention
If talking to your grandson does no good for getting him help, then you can try hosting an intervention that involves the supporters that you have on your side. An intervention doesn’t need to be a big ordeal. Instead, just having a couple of people who care about your grandson talk to him about the effects of his addiction on their relationship will likely help him decide to go to rehab.
A compassionate intervention should stay as peaceful as possible. Try to hold it when you know that your grandson will be sober, and choose a quiet, safe place to talk such as your home. During the intervention, make sure to set boundaries and consequences for if he does not seek help. For example, you can tell your grandson that you will no longer help him by loaning him money or giving him expensive birthday gifts that he might use to buy drugs. You’ll also want to be prepared with a solution if he accepts your advice. Have the name and contact information on hand for a treatment center that he can go to quickly for help.
Offer to Stay Involved In His Recovery
Getting your grandson to go to treatment is the beginning of a journey that will help him slowly begin to heal. During this time, he’ll need your help more than ever. Drug addiction treatment programs focus on protecting their patients’ privacy, but they may allow you to visit with his consent. You might also be able to send letters or make phone calls to show your support. As your grandson gets ready to leave the program, you can offer to serve an active role in his sobriety by letting him know that you’ll help with things such as finding transportation to his outpatient therapy sessions and providing him with words of encouragement during hard moments in his recovery.
Is your grandson’s drug addiction worrying you sick? We understand and can help you find an effective treatment program to help him get sober. Call us today at 772-266-5320.
