Growing up with parents who are addicted to substances or alcohol can be a difficult experience. You feel helpless and hopeless, trying to make sense of the chaos that addiction has caused in your life and their lives.
You don’t know what to do or how to help—but you have to do something. In this article, we will explore the unique challenges presented by having addicted parents while also providing tips on how to take care of yourself, stay safe, and get help when needed.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a loved one’s addiction, please keep reading for some guidance during this difficult time. There is help out there. Addiction is a disease. It is a disease that can be effectively managed. With the right help things don’t have to always be like this.
The Impact Of Addiction On Families
If you have parents who are addicted to drugs or alcohol, you know how difficult it can be. Addictions can put a strain on even the strongest of relationships. Here are some ways that addiction can impact families:
Addiction can cause financial problems. Addiction can lead to job loss, which can in turn lead to financial instability. This can put a lot of stress on the family, especially if the addict is the primary breadwinner.
Addiction can cause emotional problems. Addicts often become withdrawn and isolate themselves from their loved ones. This can cause a great deal of emotional pain for everyone involved.Addicted parents can cause trauma in children. If you’re feeling bad and scared, this may be why. A good therapist can help you with this.
Addiction can cause physical problems. Substance abuse often leads to physical health problems, which in turn can lead to even more financial burdens on the family.
Addiction can destroy relationships. The strain that addiction puts on a relationship often leads to conflict, resentment, and ultimately, estrangement from loved ones.
If you have parents who are struggling with addiction, it’s important to reach out for help. There are many resources available to families affected by addiction, and getting support can make all the difference in helping your family heal and move forward.
Again, don’t go this alone. Reach out for help. There are some resources below.
How To Cope With Having Addicted Parents
It can be difficult to deal with having addicted parents. You may feel scared, alone, and helpless. But there are ways to cope. Here are some tips:
- Talk to someone you trust about what’s going on. It can help to talk to someone who understands and can offer support. A teacher or a counselor at school might be a good choice.
- Try to get involved in positive activities. Doing things that make you feel good can help take your mind off of your parents’ addiction. Get out of the house when you can.
- Find a support group for people in your situation. Talking to others who understand what you’re going through can be helpful. There are groups called Al-Anon And Nar-Anon specifically for people who have addicted family members. There is even a group called Alteen, for teenagers of addicted parents.
- Educate yourself about addiction and recovery. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to deal with the situation.
Reach out for help if you need it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are people who can help you through this tough time. Please, don’t try to do this alone. The best thing you can do is talk to someone to help. If the first person you speak with isn’t helpful, don’t give up. Try another.
Where To Seek Help When Your Parents Are Addicted
It can be difficult to know where to turn when your parents are struggling with addiction. Here are a few places you can seek help:
- Your family doctor or a local mental health professional can provide support and resources.
- There are many national helplines available, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
- Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous both have 12-step programs (like Alcoholics Anonymous) that can offer guidance and support. Al-Anon and Nar-Anon will be able to help as well.
- Reach out to close friends or extended family members for emotional support.
- A treatment center like ours might be a good choice for your parent to get sober. You can give us a call at the number below, or give it to your parents.
Do Your Parents Need Help With Addiction?
Dealing with parents who are addicted is never easy, but it’s important to remember that there are resources available to help you and your family. It may be hard to reach out for help or talk about what’s going on, but getting the support you need can make a huge difference in how you cope and recover from this challenging situation.
Taking care of yourself is essential for navigating this difficult time so make sure to find someone who can provide emotional support and understanding. Finally, remember that addiction does not define your family, despite the difficulties it brings – they still love you and only want the best for you.
If you’d like to talk more, you can call us at (877) 958-5354, or if your parents are addicted you can give them this number if they are ready to get help.
