Children of parents with substance use disorder face significant challenges. Learn how parental drug addiction impacts them.
Dealing with parental addiction can be frightening and stressful. If you are looking for help because you have a parent struggling with addiction, you will find resources here. If you believe you are in immediate danger or if your parent needs medical assistance, call emergency services. Go to a friend, relative or neighbor where you feel safe until help arrives.
Many children have trouble coping when parents have a drug addiction because they do not know how to help. The nature of substance use disorder creates obstacles to open and honest communication. While everyone’s experience is different, there are some effective ways to manage the situation for minors and adult children alike.
Signs of Parental Drug Addiction
Before approaching parents with drug addiction, consult this checklist to see how many of these indicators coincide with their behavior. Symptoms of addiction vary from person to person. However, if more than half of this list applies, it is time to devise a plan.
- Angry or violent outbursts
- Memory issues
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Eyes glazed over
- Marks on body
- Paraphernalia around the home
- Slurred speech
- Acting excited for no reason
- Strangers in and out of the home
- Heavy drinking
- Major financial problems
- Dozing off while speaking or doing things
Parental substance use can cause issues for the whole family. If these symptoms inhibit your parents’ functioning in their everyday lives, they need professional help.
Helpful Tips for Coping with Parental Drug Addiction
Dealing with parents who have an addiction is tough, no matter your age. Minors and adult children of addicted parents both go through stressful experiences that plague them with guilt and worry. It can be intimidating, but there are several steps you can take when living with parents struggling with substance use disorder.
- Approach Them About Their Substance Use Disorder
It can be challenging to find the right time to speak to your parents about addiction in the family. Depending on their substance use habits, they may be willing to communicate honestly when they are not dealing with withdrawal. Try to choose a time when they appear alert and amicable.
Express how their drug dependency is affecting you and the rest of your family calmly and lovingly. Although you may feel angry internally, it is important to try to discuss this situation without conflict. Arguing with your parents about addiction will only make them resistant to what you are trying to say.
- Involve People You Trust
If you have other family members you can trust, it is essential to reach out to them. If previous attempts to discuss family counseling for addiction with your parent were unsuccessful, a third party can help. Family members may use a different approach and leverage their relationship dynamic with your parent to get through to them.
It is important to remember to reach out to others while coping when parents have a drug addiction. You do not have to deal with this on your own. Childhood trauma from addiction can affect you in many ways for the rest of your life, and you deserve support.
There are other options if you do not have family members you can confide in. If your parents are unresponsive to communication efforts, speak to a counselor or professional interventionist. These professionals can provide you with tons of family addiction resources.
- Do Not Blame Yourself
Watching a parent struggle day to day is daunting and demoralizing. However, breaking the cycle of addiction is not solely your responsibility. It is not your fault that the disease of addiction causes your parent to act in ways that hurt you. Coping with parental addiction is not something you have to do on your own.
Recovery is possible for your parent and your family. Once enrolled in treatment, home life can quickly improve. Parents in recovery often prioritize mending their family relationships. You will become a vital aspect in encouraging your parent while they are making progress with their recovery.
Sometimes, people with substance use disorder need to face the consequences of their behaviors before they realize they need help. If you feel unsafe in your home, seek professional help to find a more stable place to live. These changes can be temporary until your parent begins treatment and works towards recovery for their ongoing addiction and substance misuse.
Please use the following resources if you are coping with parental drug addiction and need help:
- How to Report Child Abuse and Neglect
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential helpline, operating 24/7, 365 days a year: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
- FindTreatment.gov is a confidential and anonymous resource for those seeking treatment for mental and substance use disorders in the United States and its territories.
- National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA), a foundation helping children of parents with substance use disorder and families impacted by addiction.
- Administration for Children and Families is a government group that helps children and their surrounding communities.
- Child Welfare Information Gateway provides publications, research, and learning tools selected by experts.
- SAFE Project US for helping families of those with substance use disorder.
If you are a child enrolled in school and need the help of an adult, speak with your teacher or school staff. They are ready to assist you in getting you to safety. You will never get into trouble for asking adults at school for help at home.
Please remember you can always call local emergency resources by dialing 9-1-1 if you need help. Dispatchers know how to assist you if you feel your safety is in danger at home or around your parents.
Coping When Parents Have a Drug Addiction with the help of MedMark Treatment Centers
The impact of drug use on families is tremendous and can cause harm to children. MedMark Treatment Centers offers help for parents using drugs and other impacted family members. Our professional facilities provide medication-assisted treatment along with recovery resources for families.
To learn more about how MedMark Treatment Centers can help with supporting addicted parents, contact us today. Our compassionate and friendly staff can assist you with any questions you may have.
