When your child continues drug or alcohol use despite negative consequences, that often indicates changes in brain reward pathways that affect their decision-making processes. (They also don’t have a fully developed brain yet, so add that to the mix.) It’s not a moral failing, a lack of willpower or a lack of love for their family. Substance use is likely serving important functions for your child—managing emotional pain, creating social connection, or coping with trauma—that need to be addressed with healthier alternatives for real change to occur.
