I read this report recently on Gawker.com:

"Lindsay Lohan has been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. After her Mercedes mowed down some palm trees at 5:30 a.m., she left the scene of the crime for a hospital in a private car, and was apprehended there. The coke was found in the car, but not on her, though possibly in her."

If your child is struggling with a drug or alcohol (or both) problem, then I would suggest the following three points to try and help her overcome the addiction:

• The first step in any healthy recovery program is getting connected with a "higher power". If your child is struggling, then you need to focus her eyes—and yours—on Christ. Your child may be resistant to this idea, and you certainly can not force the issue, but if you can get your child to look upward, you can count on the battle being won. Christ's job is to heal the brokenhearted, so run to Christ in this time of need.
  
  
• This next point is difficult, but it must be written, you can only help a child who wants to be helped. However, if your child is seriously endangering her life, then you must step in and "force" her to a place of safety. It won't be easy, and she may threaten a broken relationship, but you wouldn't allow your child to play in the middle of a freeway, the same is true for drug and alcohol problems. When it comes to the life and safety of your child, get her help. If she is a legal adult, it might be more difficult, but do what can be done to protect your child from herself.
  
  
• Model the behavior you want in your child. Be kind, patient, and consistent. Never give up and fight for the love and health of your child. We must also look inward and make sure we are not teaching addictive behavior to our child. We need to ask a difficult question of ourselves, am I contributing to my child's abuse in any way? Sometimes the most wonderful parents in the world will have children who rebel, but sometimes our children rebel because we are not creating an environment that helps them.

For more information please visit http://www.crashintolove.com/marriage-restoration/

© Copyright 2007 Smalley Relationship Center

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