Substance abuse affects more than just the person with the addiction. It can have a negative impact on fellow co-workers, their significant other, and most importantly, their children. Because children are still learning and being shaped by those around them, having parents with substance abuse problems can be detrimental.

Fortunately, there are some ways we can be supportive of the kids whose parents struggle with substance abuse.

1. Allow Them to Share When They’re Ready

Having a difficult upbringing due to being raised by parents who suffer from addiction isn’t easy. It also isn’t easy to talk about, especially when it comes to the specifics. Not to mention, parents with substance abuse problems may tell their children to not tell anyone about what’s going on. Thus, the children tend to stay mute about anything pertaining to the topic.

One of the best ways to support children of parents with an active addiction is to not force answers out of them. If they feel comfortable enough to share, then they will. If you do have a question, make sure they know that they don’t have to respond if they don’t want to.

1. Don’t Talk Bad About Their Parents to Them

Those who have parents suffering from addiction typically already know that their parents have a problem. However, no matter how messy the situation may be, one thing is for sure: these children usually still love and care for their parents regardless. That being said, refrain from talking badly about their parents to the children if you truly want them to know you support them.

1. Give Them Healthy Ways to Manage Their Difficult Emotions

The excess stress, anxiety, and anger that’s often present in households where there are parents with addiction can be a lot to handle. Part of supporting the children of these households is allowing them to feel how they feel. At the same time, support may also mean helping these kids learn healthy coping mechanisms for when they feel afraid or angry.

1. Make Sure They Know They’re Not to Blame

Especially when abuse is in the picture, it’s important that the child understands that they are not the reason the parents are the way that they are. Their unfair treatment towards them or even the reason they even use drugs or drink alcohol has nothing to do with them. Rather, it has to do with the parents’ own choices and personal issues.

Children with parents dealing with substance abuse issues may also think it’s their job to fix their parents. Frankly, it isn’t their job, and there is nothing they can do. The parent needs to accept help on their own.

1. Remind Yourself That Their Behavior is Often a Result of Their Upbringing

Often, children with parents dealing with substance abuse addiction are known for acting out. They may have increased levels of anxiety or depression, anger problems, or generally engage in erratic behaviors like ditching school or vandalizing property.

While children need to be taught right from wrong, we also need to come to the understanding that living with parents who have an addiction can have a huge impact on how a child acts. It won’t be until the child gets help and/or the parents get help (e.g., AA meetings, detox from heroin) & learn to properly parent, that the child will learn to behave more rationally.

Conclusion

Nobody knows how difficult it is to grow up with parents who suffer from substance abuse unless they’ve been in that situation themselves. As hard as it may be for such children, the great news is, we can all learn how to be supportive in these circumstances.

Published: 2024-01-10 21:45:14