Prolonged substance abuse will not only deteriorate the health of the addict, impair their mental function and damage their spirit, but it will also impact the physical health, psychological well-being, and financial stability of the entire family.  

A child living in a home with addicted parents can be changed forever. Data shows that one in five children in America is living with an addicted parent today. Children learn by hearing, seeing, and through their environment. Children watch their parents and are curious about what they see, and their actions often mimic the behaviors they have witnessed. Children living with an addicted parent are at a higher risk of developmental delays, and in many instances, their physical and emotional health becomes neglected.

Additionally, behavioral and psychological problems are experienced at a much higher rate for children and teens of addicted parents.  Among other concerns, a child who lives with and watches an addictive parent is at a higher risk of becoming an addict. A child of an alcoholic parent is four times more likely to suffer from alcohol abuse disorder, typically beginning when they’re teenagers and continuing into adulthood.  

In a domestic partnership, one partner chronic substance abuse often leads to issues such as physical and verbal conflict. Addiction often becomes the center of the conflict as some of the most common problems resulting from substance abuse include financial difficulties, embarrassment or shame, legal issues, and distrust between partners. An environment of drug and alcohol abuse could also create feelings of resentment and anger and impaired judgment. In the worst-case scenario, these emotions boil over into incidences of physical and verbal abuse, violence, harm, and even death of a spouse. 

Despite the age of their child, a parent is always concerned about their health and well-being. The realization that your child struggles with addiction is often unpleasant and can result in parents questioning their decisions or parental abilities. Often, parents of an addicted child blame themselves for the substance use disorder, but parents need to remember that they should focus on helping their children as opposed to placing blame. It is essential for parents to help arrange help for their child in the form of drug intervention programs or alcohol treatment programs. 

We will provide a full assessment with you and your loved ones to ensure we provide the right path to recovery for their individual needs. We work with a network of treatment providers across the country to provide the most options to you and your family.