THREE SURPRISES WHEN YOU DROP YOUR KID OFF IN WILDERNESS

First, the moment you get them into a program is complete and utter relief. Even if they quickly turn around and try to convince you to pull them from the program, you are still able to breath for the first time. If your child was abusing substances, you might feel this more than other parents. Especially if you were constantly worried about where your young adult was, if they were alive, and had no way to contact them. That can be extremely stressful and nerve-wracking.

Next comes sadness. After that wave, often parents find themselves locked into this dichotomous situation where they are resentful of their child for the past, and yet beyond anxious for the future. By the time a parent gets to this place, the child may be showing signs of remorse, gratitude, and contemplation for changing in the future. The question we often hear parents asking are “is my kid truly different/better?” and “Will it really stick this time?” That’s a tough predicament, and most parents have been there.

In the end, you’re allowed to have all these feelings. What you do with them will determine part of the path that your young adult with walk down. Make sure you’re getting your own therapeutic supports. That could be individual therapy, couples therapy, parent coaching, or all of the above. Once everything is said and done, you can only control yourself and how you respond to the world [read: your child]. Taking care of yourself is the best way to enjoy the rest of your life.