Losing your children due to an addiction is a reality for some parents. Whether they are legally taken away from you or you’ve lost your relationship with them through physical absence and emotional isolation, struggling with substance abuse as a parent has unintended consequences. Rebuilding family bonds requires willingness, effort, and an honest desire for change. In this blog, we will explore practical steps and considerations for parents navigating the process of regaining custody and creating a stable, loving home environment for their children.
Commitment to Recovery
You can’t give what you don’t have. If you aren’t taking care of yourself, you’ll never be able to take care of your family the way they deserve. The first step to rebuilding your relationships is prioritizing your own recovery. Ask for help. Go get treatment. Spend that time healing, learning, and building a solid foundation in recovery. The stability and support you gain in treatment will extend into your home life. Follow directions. Take suggestions. Build a network of accountability and continued treatment around you. After residential treatment, follow through on outpatient therapy, 12-step groups, and whatever else your clinical team in treatment suggested. What you were doing before wasn’t working so let someone else make the decisions for a while. It will pay off in spades.
Legal Guidance
If you’ve lost custody of your children, seek legal advice to understand the requirements necessary to regain custody. Work with a family lawyer to navigate the legal proceedings. You’ll need a lawyer's help for any court hearings, documentation, evaluations, or classes. The legal system is complex and it is not advised to try and work your way through it alone. Turn to support groups for help and resources. Owl’s Nest Recovery offers a weekly parents group where moms and dad’s who are in treatment come together for support and to help one another. Some treatment centers will go to court on your behalf. See what is available to you and make use of it.
Open Communication
Whenever possible, be honest and open with your children during the rehab process. Work with your counselor on what to share and what not to share. Rebuilding trust is built on open lines of communications. By creating a two-way dialogue, your kids are open to feelings, issues, and expectations and you can share your progress in recovery, and let them know they are heard.
Support System
Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and fellow recovering individuals. Having a strong support system is beneficial not only for your own well-being but also for demonstrating to authorities and your children that you have a reliable network in place to help maintain stability.
Parenting Classes & Counseling
If you are facing legal repercussions, enrolling in parenting classes and/or counseling sessions to enhance your parenting skills can demonstrate your honest desire for change. These kinds of programs can help you to become a more responsible and capable parent and caregiver. It also reassures the authorities that you are actively working to better yourself and the lives of your children.
Stable Housing & Employment
Everyone needs a safe and stable place to live. Establishing your home as an environment that is conducive to healthy living is crucial to the wellbeing of your kids and their trust in you. Showcase your financial stability and commitment to living a substance-free life.
Consistent Visitation
If permitted by the court, maintain consistent visitation with your children during your time in rehab. This helps reinforce the bond between you and your kids, demonstrating your commitment to staying connected despite the challenges. Follow any visitation guidelines and always prioritize the well-being and comfort of your children.
Reuniting with your children during and after rehab is a journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and a comprehensive approach. Remember that every step forward is a step towards rebuilding trust and creating a brighter future for both you and your children.
If you or a loved one is a parent struggling with substance abuse, call Owl’s Nest Recovery today.
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