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How to Help an Addict or Alcoholic Daughter

Alcohol and drug addiction affects all kinds of people regardless of background and nationality. This problem often starts in the adolescent years, and in recent decades, girls in greater numbers have shown distinct vulnerabilities to the effects of alcohol and illicit drugs. Many parents find themselves wondering how to help an addicted daughter.

Development of Addiction in Teenage Girls

Teen preparing Cocaine on the mirror The teenage years are the time when kids experience a bevy of changes both physically and mentally. It is the time when they break away from the shield of their parents and begin to seek a different path. While both boys and girls experience these changes, girls can sometimes be more affected by this new stage. During these years, many parents are left clueless about how to help an addicted daughter or a child with addiction problems.

According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, approximately one-third of all girls have already taken more than a few sips of alcohol before they even begin high school. In high school, almost half of the population of girls consumes alcohol. One out of four girls in high school consumes more than five drinks on a single occasion, and this is usually considered to be binge drinking.

The Department of Health and Human Services reported that the number of teenage girls ages 12 to 17 who use illicit drugs and drink alcohol may now match the number of boys of the same age using these substances. There are also more teenage girls than boys who smoke and who abuse prescription drugs.

How to Know if Your Daughter is Abusing Substances

Some parents do not know how to help an addicted daughter simply because they fail to understand the motivation behind their daughter’s actions. There are several reasons why girls tend to drink and abuse drugs, including:

  • Low self-esteem
  • Peer pressure
  • Self-medication
  • Weight and appearance issues

Drug and alcohol addicted teenage girls lying on the floor with alcohol glass on hands These reasons can be related to an underlying family history of drug and alcohol abuse, poor relationship between parent and child, academic problems, early puberty, history of physical or sexual abuse, conduct disorders, and the positive attitudes of parents towards alcohol and drugs. Television and other forms of media can also contribute to these risk factors.

Girls are also often more sensitive to family problems compared to boys, and they often seek social support from their peers. Females are also more prone to anxiety and depression, making them more susceptible to addiction.

Most parents who do not know how to help an addicted daughter by themselves often seek help from local support groups. There are various non-profit organizations that help a daughter on drugs deal with her addiction. Some notable organizations are Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Al-Anon Family Groups or Al-Anon/Alateen.

Getting Treatment that Caters to Her Needs

“It is important to know how to help your addicted daughter, in order to protect her from the physical and psychological dangers of alcoholism and addiction.”-Projectknow.com

Entering your daughter in a luxury detox and rehab center can help her recover completely from her addiction. If your child is in her adolescent years, a private, inpatient rehab center will know how to help your addicted daughter without interfering with the hormonal imbalances and surges that are naturally occurring on her body. A private detox and rehab center also ensures confidential treatment so your daughter can resume her life after rehab without fear of ridicule or discrimination.

It is important to know how to help your addicted daughter, in order to protect her from the physical and psychological dangers of alcoholism and addiction. Failing to read the signs of your child’s addiction and delaying treatment or therapy can worsen addiction problems. Call to talk to a teenage addiction specialist and discuss the types of treatment that are suitable for your daughter’s individual needs.

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