Parents and caregivers often reach out to our helpline with questions on how to parent an adult child with substance use problems. In response, our experts have created a guide for how to maintain positive relationships with adult children. In this guide you can find tips on:
Effective communication techniques:
Stay calm and focus on your main priority – their health and safety.
Structure the conversation with layers using the “Information Sandwich” approach:
- Top layer invitation: “I heard something interesting about safety today that I wanted to run by you. Ok?”
- Meat of the sandwich – a request: “There is a free phone app that people use to alert anyone they choose if there is an overdose. It’s called the Brave app and I’d like you to use it.”
- Bottom layer to check in: What do you think?”
Problem-solving strategies:
Focus on one issue at a time (i.e., a family concerned about a child leaving home).
Brainstorm possible solutions – include all options no matter how far-fetched one may seem.
Pick one solution that seems doable to you.
View the full guide to learn more – including how to set boundaries, be open with other family members about what is happening, help an adult child build their life skills, and much more.
