Book Review: Parenting the Addicted Teen

While parents play a critical role in a teen’s recovery from addiction, the cycle of addiction itself often disempowers the entire family in such a way that recovery and reconnection become almost impossible. In her new book, Parenting the Addicted Teen: A 5-Step Foundational Program, Barbara Krovitz-Neren contends that in reconnecting and learning to be present for their families, parents may hold the key to their teen’s recovery. “The lack of support for parents in the addiction and mental health field during, and even more so, after treatment astounds me,” writes Krovitz-Neren. When children withdraw into their addiction, parents often feel wounded, emotionally and physically. Teens can also feel wounded when their parents focus solely on their addiction, becoming consumed with their stressful and anxious thoughts. “Many parents tell me that living with the addiction challenges of a loved one is like living in a war zone. They never know what is going to happen next and feel disempowered and defeated by fear and uncertainty,” writes Krovitz-Neren. Even in the midst of an addiction, the key messages teens want their parents to know remain the same: I want you to understand and value me; I want you to create time for me in your day; I want you to be in charge of our family and not let your moods influence you; I don’t want to take care of you emotionally; If I am moody, mad, or upset, please don’t take it personally; I want you to protect me and be sure ...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Addictions Book Reviews Children and Teens Family Parenting Self-Help Substance Abuse addiction in teens Parenting the Addicted Teen teenager addiction Source Type: news