What You Can Do When There’s Parental Addiction

At-risk kids live everywhere.  They are not part of just one demographic. They exist in every community –wealthy,  suburban, rural, and yes, inner city.  This means they live very near to you.

Growing up with parents, other loved ones, and/or caretakers who have a substance use disorder increases the risk for youth substance use and mental health disorders.

Substance Abuse

When I say substance abuse I’m not just talking about opioids but also alcohol, marijuana, hallucinogens, meth, cocaine, Xanax, synthetics (which are often purchased over the counter and not regulated), and many other drugs such as prescription medication, which are not taken as prescribed but taken to get high.

Statistics that will set your hair on fire --

•  Twenty percent of children in the US are growing up in families with parents, other loved ones, and/or caretakers  who have a substance use disorder.

• That more children than are diagnosed with ADHD or a learning disability

• According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 40.3 million people aged 12 or older had a past-year substance use disorder.

Meanwhile, more than four out of five Americans who need treatment for illicit drug use do not receive it. 

This means that most children who are living in homes where there is addiction have caregivers with active addiction.

• Among kids living with substance abusing parents, 86.2% live with a parent who abuses alcohol. https://drugabusestatistics.org/alcohol-abuse-statistics

Living in chaos has consequences

The often time chaotic environments that lack consistency, stability, and emotional support contribute to the multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences that can increase the risk for:

• substance use

• mental health disorders

• anxiety

• depression

• oppositional behavior,

• conduct problems,

• aggressive behavior

• as well as lower rates of self-esteem and social competence

• and alcohol and drug abuse

      not only in adolescence but also in adulthood.

 (https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/report_3223/ShortReport-3223.html)

Simple ways you can make a difference

• Help children who live with those with addiction delay the onset of any drug use

• Encourage parents to speak to their kids about alcohol and drug use.  If the parents/caregiver cannot and you are a caring adult, a relative, teacher, or neighbor, then you start this conversation.

• Start talking about alcohol and drug use early, hopefully before the child begins experimenting

• Alert the child’s pediatrician to addiction in the child’s family and request that they begin screening a child as young as 8-9 about any alcohol or drug use.

• Understand that not talking about drugs or alcohol use sends a message --that it’s somehow ok.

• encourage parents to lock up ANY prescription medication, and alcohol 

Locate Resources

• Locate an Alateen group and encourage the child to attend.  This is a free, mutual support group for kids, and is part of the Alanon Program.  Meetings are worldwide Contact: https://al-anon.org/

• Encourage your local school to set up Student Assistance Programs, to provide in-school support and counseling.  You can petition at School Board Meetings.

• Encourage the development of alcohol/drug-free events in your place of worship, following sporting events, and at community gatherings --- so kids can see adults enjoying themselves and not getting drunk or high.

• Plan for alcohol-free special events such as a Sober St. Patrick’s Day Party https://www.soberstpatricksday.org/

Be a compassionate listener

Acknowledge what you see happening in the child’s family, allowing the youth to speak to you about their worries.

Notice the child’s strengths

Acknowledge what you see the child doing right – so that they can see and name their strengths.

 Learn more

Attend my free webinar this Friday 3-10-23,  10-11 EST.  If you can’t come in person register and you’ll be sent a link to the recorded presentation.

To register:

Attendance is free. Advance registration is required by clicking this link https://l.ead.me/ParentYouthAddiction

Or copy and paste the URL into your browser. After registering, you will receive instant confirmation with information about joining the online meeting.