When your child is using again—or maybe never stopped—there’s a deep ache that sits in your chest, somewhere between grief and fear. You try to act normal, keep your voice steady, hold the family together. But beneath the surface, you’re watching everything unravel and wondering if you’re the only one who sees it.
If you’re here, reading this, chances are something in you already knows: it’s time to look into substance abuse treatment. And if that thought comes with guilt, exhaustion, or heartbreak—you’re not alone. Thousands of parents are holding their breath, quietly hoping this time will be different. Let’s talk about when—and why—it might be time to ask for help.
Substance Use in Young Adults Can Be Subtle, Even When It’s Serious
Addiction doesn’t always look loud or obvious. It can look like your 20-year-old not answering texts. It can look like disappearing money, slipping grades, or too many missed shifts at work. Sometimes, it looks like silence at the dinner table—or sleeping all day, every day.
Some signs it’s time to consider treatment:
- Your child is isolating, staying in their room for long stretches or avoiding family contact
- Their appearance or hygiene has noticeably declined
- There’s a new group of friends they won’t talk about
- You notice they’re lying—about where they are, who they’re with, what they’re doing
- You’ve caught them using again or suspect they’re hiding it
- They’re emotionally volatile or completely shut down
- They’ve lost interest in school, hobbies, work, or goals they once had
It’s easy to write off one or two of these as “young adult stuff.” But when the pattern persists—and your gut keeps telling you something’s wrong—it’s time to listen.
Why Waiting Doesn’t Always Help
Every parent holds out hope that their child will find their way. That they’ll grow out of it. That this is just a phase.
But addiction isn’t a phase—it’s a progressive condition. It doesn’t stay still. What starts as casual use can quickly spiral into dependence, and that’s when risk multiplies: academically, professionally, emotionally, and physically.
Getting help early doesn’t just increase the odds of recovery—it helps preserve the relationship between you and your child. Treatment becomes a bridge, not a wedge.
Substance Abuse Treatment Isn’t Punishment. It’s a Lifeline.
At Foundations Group Recovery Center, we often meet parents who are afraid that seeking treatment will drive their child away. But the truth is, substance abuse treatment is about creating space for healing—without shame or judgment.
What treatment often includes:
- One-on-one counseling with licensed clinicians
- Group therapy for emotional processing and accountability
- Support for co-occurring mental health conditions (like anxiety or depression)
- Education on addiction, triggers, and relapse prevention
- Family therapy or parent support, when appropriate
- Planning for school, work, and long-term goals
We design programs that meet young adults where they are. Whether your child needs flexible outpatient care or more structured support, there are substance use treatment options in Ohio that can fit their life—and yours.
You Didn’t Cause This. And You’re Not Powerless.
One of the hardest parts of being the parent of someone struggling with addiction is the shame. Not theirs—yours. The feeling that maybe you missed something. That you failed. That somehow, this is your fault.
It’s not. You did not cause this. But you can be part of their recovery story.
Your love still matters. Your presence still matters. You are not too late, even if it feels that way.
“I thought I had failed as a mom. But it wasn’t about failure. It was about finding the right help—and letting professionals guide the parts I couldn’t fix alone.”
— Parent of a former client, 2023
When the Substance Use Returns After Treatment
Maybe this isn’t the first time. Maybe your child has already been to treatment—and now they’re using again. That brings a whole new kind of pain. The kind that says, “But we already did this. Why are we back here?”
Relapse doesn’t mean treatment failed. It means more support is needed. Recovery is often nonlinear, especially for young adults still developing identity, independence, and emotional resilience.
If your child is using again in Upper Arlington, Ohio, reaching back out for help can restore what’s starting to fray.
The Role of Family in Recovery
Treatment isn’t just for your child—it’s for your whole family system. Addiction affects every room of the house. That’s why many programs offer family support services designed to:
- Help parents set healthy boundaries
- Offer education about addiction and communication
- Give you a space to process your own emotions
Your stability helps your child’s healing. But that doesn’t mean carrying everything alone.
Looking for Local Help? Here’s What’s Nearby
If you’re searching for substance abuse treatment in Franklin County, Ohio, or close to Columbus, Foundations Group Recovery Center offers outpatient care that’s both accessible and tailored to young adults.
We’re based in Upper Arlington—so your child can get help without leaving the area or pausing their life completely. That flexibility often makes treatment more sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if my child needs treatment if they won’t admit to using?
You don’t need proof to seek help—you just need concern. If your child is showing signs that worry you, call a treatment provider. You can speak to someone confidentially, describe what you’re seeing, and get guidance on what next steps are possible.
Can I force my 20-year-old into treatment?
At age 20, your child is legally an adult. That means treatment must be voluntary unless certain legal circumstances apply. But many young adults are open to talking—especially when treatment is framed as support, not punishment. A calm, honest conversation can go further than you think.
What if my child has already tried treatment and it “didn’t work”?
Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. If a previous program wasn’t a fit—or if your child wasn’t fully ready—it doesn’t mean help won’t work. It may mean they need a different kind of care, a different approach, or a different time. At Foundations, we honor second chances (and third, and fourth).
What kind of support is available for parents?
We offer optional family therapy and parent support resources, depending on the program level. You can also explore local support groups for parents of young adults struggling with addiction. You’re allowed to need help too.
Is outpatient treatment effective for young adults?
Yes—especially when it’s structured, consistent, and includes individual therapy, group support, and life skills planning. Outpatient care allows young adults to continue education or work while still getting the treatment they need.
You Don’t Need to Have the Perfect Words—Just a Willingness to Reach Out
There’s no script for this moment. No one tells you what to say when your child is unraveling. But you don’t have to wait for them to hit bottom. You don’t need to keep it together alone.
Call the number. Send the email. Ask the question. Whether it’s your child’s first time seeking treatment or their fourth, there is still hope.
Call (888) 501-5618 to learn more about our substance abuse treatment services in Upper Arlington, OH.
