How Do You Parent An Addicted Child? Author and LMFT Kevin Petersen

How Do You Parent An Addicted Child? Author and LMFT Kevin Petersen

Parenting an addicted child is a journey filled with heartache, hope, and hard choices. In this episode of 'Beyond the Bars', Kevin Petersen, a licensed family therapist with 28 years of sobriety under his belt, shares his unique perspective on tackling this tough challenge. Kevin's been there—he's cared for an addict, battled addiction himself, and now dedicates his life to helping families navigate these rough waters.

His book, 'Chronic Hope: Parenting the Addicted Child', serves as the backbone of this discussion, offering practical advice on setting boundaries, maintaining accountability, and fostering transparency. Kevin emphasizes that parents often harbor a secret hope that their child will suddenly 'wake up' and choose recovery. But reality is more complicated. He stresses the importance of professional help in finding the right treatment program and highlights the critical role of family support.

Kevin also tackles the grim realities of addiction, including overdose deaths, and provides a roadmap for interventions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of parenting an addicted child. It’s packed with actionable insights and heartfelt advice that can make a real difference.