How to Tell My Parents I am Struggling with a Prescription Drug Addiction?

Mom talking to her daughter about marijuana use

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

The struggle with an addiction to prescription medications can be an isolating journey, one that takes an individual through unexpected changes in many different aspects.  However an addiction to prescription medication may have started, there are numerous factors that can trigger the development of addiction.  Because addiction involves several different influences, including a person’s environment and biology, overcoming an addiction is also an involved process that requires outside help and support.

Asking for Help

AbusedMany individuals who struggle with an addiction often find themselves clouded in shame, guilt, humiliation and/or embarrassment.  Becoming physically, emotionally, and psychologically dependent on a medication is not exactly an easy thing to explain to others, especially to friends, family and loved ones.  Often times, a person struggling with addiction may even be in denial about his or her own behaviors or not grasp the severity of their issues until it is too late.

If you are dealing with an addiction to prescription drugs, it is important to seek out the help and support you need for recovery.  Confiding in your family members and the people closest to you may be a way of gaining support through a time in your life that can be overwhelming and difficult.  Whether confiding in your parents, siblings, other relatives or close friends, having an open and honest discussion about where you are at is the first step towards becoming sober and clean.

While it may seem easier to maintain your life with your current addiction, this is a far more riskier and dangerous path.  Facing your addiction and having the support of your loved ones can help you move towards treatment and healing.  If you are not sure how to start a conversation with your family about your addiction, simply ask to speak with them in a private and safe environment for you both.  Approaching a loved one with humility and truthfulness about your situation will propel you forward towards healing and recovery from an addiction to prescription drugs.

 

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

Are you in recovery from an addiction to prescription drugs?   If so, how did you share this struggle with your loved ones and family?  What encouragement might you give to another individual who is in a similar situation?


The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions and co-occurring disorders.  These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer a discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.  We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors.  If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.  

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on September 18, 2015. Published on AddictionHope.com