According to the Center on Addiction and the Family, many parents who have completed treatment for substance abuse disorders must eventually make the transition back to family life and parenting. This transition may often be challenging because many parents may feel guilty about how they treated their children when they were using substances. In addition, many parents with substance abuse issues may not have developed effective or consistent parenting skills, and this can create serious challenges in their relationship with their children.
Step 1
Participate in parenting classes and support groups for parents in recovery. The GAINS Center, a non-profit that supports addicts in recovery suggests that many parents with substance abuse disorders may benefit from comprehensive parenting classes. These classes often focus on parenting skills such as limit setting, communication, and stress management. Support groups for parents offer peer feedback and guidance with questions or concerns about parenting.
Step 2
Attend family and individual therapy with a qualified professional. The Center on Addiction and the Family notes that family and individual therapy can be critical tools when an individual is transitioning back to his parenting role after treatment for chemical dependency. Family therapy sessions give the child and parent and opportunity to discuss emotional issues that have resulted from the parent's substance abuse. Families can learn problem-solving skills and improve their communication. Individual therapy offers a parent much needed support as he manages the return to parenting.
Step 3
Follow all guidelines for continued treatment and recovery for substance abuse. The Center on Addiction and the Family suggests that parents recovering from chemical dependency should be very consistent about their continued treatment. This may include taking medication, attending medical appointments, or participating in 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Parenting adds additional responsibilities to daily life, and, as such, it's critical that an individual with past chemical dependency monitor his health and wellness carefully.
Step 4
Communicate with caregivers in the child's life. The Center for Addiction and the Family notes that many children of addicts may be in the care of relatives or foster homes while their parents are in treatment. When parents transition home from treatment it's important that they communicate with those caregivers about the child's daily routines and any important changes or events that have occurred. By working in collaboration with other caregivers a parent can this make transition easier for the child.
