Living with parents with addiction to drugs, alcohol, or any other harmful substances can be a difficult and confusing experience for those involved. As much as children may want to help their parents recover from addiction, the reality is that it is a personal battle that takes a commitment from the individuals in question—albeit with support from family members and addiction professionals.
Help is available at The Arbor in Georgetown, TX. The Arbor Experience provides a personal touch to addiction treatment. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping your family heal and thrive. Learn more by calling 844.413.2690 today.
Challenges of Living with Parents with Addiction
One of the main difficulties associated with living with parents who suffer from addiction is having an unpredictable home life. Addiction can make it difficult for those affected to act rationally, leading to frequent changes in behavior which can make it hard for children to know when their parent might become violent or aggressive—creating a tense atmosphere in the household. Furthermore, there are also financial implications that come into play—since money may be tight due to increased spending on certain substances as well as reduced earning potential from absences at work due to intoxication levels.
Another challenge faced by children of people with addiction is the shame and stigma associated with their parent’s condition. Although these societal attitudes are slowly shifting towards being more accepting, sadly, many still feel embarrassed about living with an individual who has an addiction—leading them to downplay the situation even when talking about it amongst family or friends. The fear of judgment can cause further isolation, making it hard for these children to open up and articulate their feelings effectively.
Long-Term Risks of Growing up Around Addiction
There are some significant risks for children who grow up around addiction, which can harm their emotional and mental health for life. Some of these risks include:
• Increased risk of developing an addiction themselves as they grow older
• Higher probability of experiencing anxiety and depression
• Low self-esteem due to feeling responsible for their parent’s condition
• Struggling to develop stable relationships with others throughout life.
Coping Strategies
There are several coping strategies children of parents with addiction can implement in order to relieve some of the stress they face or even provide strength during especially tough times. One way of doing this is finding positive outlets such as creative activities—allowing them space away from home so they don’t have to deal directly with their parent’s issues. This not only provides peace of mind but potentially enables them to express themselves better through art or music-related hobbies.
In addition to this, support groups specifically catered towards those going through similar situations can also help provide strength and understanding through conversation with peers undergoing similar circumstances. Joining counseling sessions either individually or together as family members allows everyone involved time dedicated solely to addressing issues related to the addiction that impact each person’s life directly and indirectly. This practice increases communication levels within relationships while developing better means of dealing with everyday challenges in a healthy manner moving forward.
Help for Addiction in Parents at The Arbor
We strive to provide comprehensive residential addiction treatment that focuses on the person as a whole. Our residential center in Georgetown, TX is designed to give individuals the time and support they need to recover from substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues. This can include individual counseling sessions, group therapy sessions, alternative therapies such as yoga and art therapy, and more.
For those living with parents with addiction who are seeking help for their loved ones, we also offer a family program that helps to educate the whole family unit on the disease of addiction as well as how they can best support their family members while they recover. Our team is here to provide guidance and support throughout your entire recovery journey. Learn more today by calling 844.413.2690 or contacting us online.