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Stop. Think for just one moment. What kind of addictions did you have as a teen that were not exactly healthy? If you did not have any then you are not human. Everyone has addictions as teens that we wish we hadn't had. Even if they are not that extreme, we all still have addictions that do not promote positive living. So think about your addiction as a teen, and think about how your parents reacted. Think about what your parents did to "help" you. Now think about what you wished they would have done instead. Let me give you a personal example. I smoke cigarettes. My mother found out that I was smoking when I turned 18. I have been smoking since I was 14 years old. My mother made me feel so bad about myself for smoking it just put more stress on me and caused me to smoke more. She would tell me how I was killing myself and that it disappointed her so. She made me feel terrible. Maybe if she had paid more attention to what I needed her to do to help me quit then this wouldn't have even been an issue. All I wanted was someone to talk to about it. Not just anyone. I wanted to be able to tell her everything that was going on in my life, but she would always get so upset. The more I wanted to tell her but couldn't, the more I smoked. It kept getting worse and worse.

My point is that if she had taken a step back and actually listened to what I had to say, then maybe we could have accomplished something together. I don't blame my mother for me smoking, it was a personal choice of mine. But I needed her there and when she wasn't I replaced her with a cigarette. So pay attention to your kids lives. Find out what it is that they need for you to help them. Don't make assumptions or judgements to quickly. There is a reason behind every addiction. Take the time to find out what it is behind your kid's addiction and you will be a step closer to actually helping them overcome it. Remember...treat people how you want to be treated...it doesn't stop at your children.

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