How to Deal With Drug Addicted Parents

Regardless of our age, our parents will always have some sort of influence on our lives.

These influences not only include the genes that we inherit biologically but also the behaviors, habits, values, morals, and communication styles we have adopted from our parents or caregivers. The same goes for children of addicts. Growing up with drug-addicted parents can be difficult in more ways than one. If you’re in this situation, below is a guide on how to deal with drug-addicted parents that can help.

Tips for Children of Addicted Parents: How to Cope

The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that 25% of youth under the age of 18 are exposed to family alcohol abuse or dependence.¹ Children of addicted parents are also twice as likely to develop substance use disorders.² These children with parents addicted to drugs or alcohol are also likely to experience poor performance in school, emotional and behavioral issues, low self-esteem, increased risk of abuse, and increased risk of mental illness.

With that said, offering help to children affected by parental substance abuse is important in promoting healing within the family. Children can also have a major impact on their parents’ lives, which is why we’ve shared some tips on how to deal with drug-addicted parents that can guide you in getting help for your loved ones.

Eventually, this constant increase in doses may lead to physical dependence, which is marked by withdrawal symptoms that occur when Xanax use is discontinued. Users with Xanax dependence may continue to take the drug to prevent withdrawals from occurring, which are often uncomfortable and terrifying.

Over time, the person may eventually develop a psychological addiction to Xanax, making it nearly impossible for them to control how often and how much of it they use. Someone with a Xanax addiction can take as many as 20 or 30 pills a day. If the user decides to quit at any moment or doesn’t take their usual dose for a few hours, they may begin experiencing withdrawals like restlessness, insomnia, tremors, and rebound anxiety.

Despite the possible consequences, once an addiction to alprazolam takes hold of someone, they may not be able to quit without prescription drug addiction treatment and medical assistance.

Reach Out to a Family Member For Support

Whether you’re in high school, college, or working on your career, having someone or several people to help you is important. Like the saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work, so if you have a parent with an addiction and don’t know where to start, ask another trusted and close family member for help.

Make sure this person is someone reliable and has the person’s best interests in mind. Make sure this is someone you respect, trust, and who understands you and the situation you’re in. It doesn’t even have to be a family member, either. It could be a teacher, counselor, or coach.

Set Boundaries

Having an addict as a parent can change your life in many ways, and something that many children of addicted parents are guilty of doing is completely sacrificing their time to be the caretakers. Although you want to be there for your mother or father (and it’s important to do so), you have to draw the line somewhere.

For instance, joining a club or spending time with friends every once in a while, is healthy for you. It’s important to have connections with people outside of your home and family. It’s also important to not feel guilty for wanting to spend some time away from your parents.

A little breathing room is a good thing. It allows you to clear your head and have the patience to care for them when you have to. As a Christian drug rehab, we believe that while it’s important for you to stick by your mom or dad during something as challenging as addiction, you need to take care of yourself, too.

Practice Self-Care

Speaking of taking care of yourself, develop a self-care routine that helps you wind down and recollect yourself. Caring for a parent or parents with substance use disorders can be stressful, and sometimes we bite off more than we can chew. In addition to asking for help, you also need to create a self-care routine for yourself to help you reset and recharge.

Self-care can be in the form of anything you like. Do you enjoy running? Go for a jog once a day as many days of the week you can or want to. Do you like reading? Read your favorite books or buy new ones that interest you. Like art? Take up a new hobby like painting or sketching.

Build Good Habits

Because the risk of addiction is higher in people who grew up in households impacted by substance abuse, you must take certain precautions. There are certain habits you should implement early on to avoid falling into a cycle of addiction, as well.

For instance, if your mother’s or father’s alcohol use disorder began with stress drinking, find healthier ways to cope with stress. Use an agenda to keep yourself organized, set alarms to avoid forgetting things, and practice self-care, among other things. Building your own good habits will prevent you from falling into some of your parents’ bad ones.

Get Help for Yourself

Remember that this is not your fault. Addiction is a cruel disease that can happen to anyone for any reason, and you are not to blame. When you find yourself feeling guilty or upset about your parents’ addiction, remember that you’re not the cause.

You can’t control another person’s behavior, and you can’t cure them of their addiction. But what you can do is strengthen yourself by reaching out for help. Don’t neglect yourself in this complicated process of caring for addicted parents. Support groups like Al-Anon are great places to turn to when you feel overwhelmed by your loved ones’ addictions.

Get Your Parent(s) Help

While you can’t cure your parents’ addiction, you can set them up for success. If you haven’t already, try and get your parent(s) help. Encourage them to seek out drug or alcohol treatment for their disorder. List to them all of the benefits that will come out of receiving treatment and express your desire to help them every step of the way.

What is the significance of peer support groups in helping individuals share experiences and build trusting relationships in recovery?

Peer support groups play a crucial role in helping individuals recover by providing a space where they can share their experiences with addiction in a supportive and safe setting. Through these groups, individuals can connect with others who have gone through similar struggles, fostering a strong sense of belonging and understanding. By sharing their stories and listening to others' experiences, members can develop trusting relationships with their peers and family members, which is essential for the recovery process. This supportive environment enables individuals to feel validated, encouraged, and supported as they navigate their journey towards recovery, ultimately helping them feel less isolated and more connected in their shared experiences.

What role do family therapy programs play in the recovery process for children of addicted parents?

Family therapy programs play a crucial role in the recovery process for children with addicted parents. These programs actively involve both parents and children in the therapeutic process, providing a supportive and structured environment for the entire family to address and overcome the challenges related to addiction. By engaging parents and their children in therapy sessions, these programs aim to strengthen family relationships, improve communication, and address underlying issues that may contribute to the addiction. Through counseling and cooperation, family therapy programs help children of addicted parents cope with the impact of addiction, develop healthy coping strategies, and rebuild trust and resilience within the family unit. By fostering a collaborative approach to recovery, these programs offer comprehensive support to both parents and children, ultimately promoting healing and growth within the family dynamic.

How can aftercare programs provide ongoing support for individuals who have completed detox and rehab?

Aftercare programs play a crucial role in offering continued support and resources to individuals who have successfully completed detox and rehabilitation programs. These programs provide a structured environment that aims to ease the transition from treatment to daily life, helping clients maintain their sobriety and work towards long-term recovery. By offering resources such as counseling, support groups, educational workshops, and other therapeutic activities, aftercare programs address the various challenges that individuals may face post-rehab. This ongoing support can help individuals stay connected to a supportive community, learn coping mechanisms, and develop healthy habits that empower them to navigate the complexities of life without resorting to substance use. Ultimately, aftercare programs act as a vital component in the holistic approach to addiction recovery, ensuring that individuals continue to receive the necessary support and guidance as they embark on their journey towards sustained wellness and sobriety.

What are some potential mental health disorders that may co-occur with substance abuse and how can they be addressed in treatment?

Substance abuse can often co-occur with various mental health disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When addressing children of addicted parents in treatment programs, it is crucial to conduct comprehensive assessments to identify any underlying mental health issues. By recognizing these potential co-occurring disorders, tailored treatment plans can be developed to provide appropriate interventions and support. Integrating mental health treatment alongside substance abuse therapy ensures a holistic approach to care that can effectively address both the addiction and the associated mental health challenges, leading to better outcomes for individuals facing these complex issues.

How can individuals find a rehab program that meets their specific needs for recovery?

Individuals can find a rehab program that meets their specific needs for recovery by starting with research in their community. They can reach out to people who have experience in substance abuse treatment to gather insights and recommendations. Taking the time to explore different programs and discuss their needs with knowledgeable individuals can help in selecting a rehab program that aligns with their recovery goals. This initial step can lay the foundation for a fulfilling journey towards recovery and well-being.

Support for Families of Addicts

Watching a loved one go through addiction is heartbreaking, especially if they’re the people you look up to. If you’ve reached the point where you say, “My parent is an addict, and I don’t know what else to do,” we can help.

Our Christian drug rehab offers various faith-based drug treatment programs for alcohol and illicit and prescription drug use disorders. From medically monitored withdrawal treatment to individual and group counseling, our specialists are here to guide clients through every step of the recovery process. We also offer family therapy and services for people who have family members with substance use disorders. Although our programs are spiritual-based, people of all faith and religious backgrounds are welcome.

In addition to our faith-based approach, we provide a range of therapeutic interventions tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals struggling with substance abuse. Our programs include individual therapy sessions aimed at reinforcing self-esteem, enhancing motivation, and equipping individuals with new coping strategies essential for building a sober life. Family therapy programs are also available to engage both parents and their children in the journey of recovery from addiction, fostering healing and support within the family unit.

Furthermore, our services extend to encompass assessment and treatment for mental health disorders that often co-occur with substance abuse, such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We recognize the importance of addressing underlying mental health issues to promote holistic healing and sustained recovery.

Moreover, we offer grief and trauma therapies for individuals of all ages who have experienced abuse, providing a safe space for healing and emotional support. Activities that support the emotional and spiritual dimensions of recovery, including experiential therapy, art therapy, meditation, and journaling, are integrated into our programs to nurture inner growth and self-reflection.

To promote physical well-being, our services encompass nutritional counseling and customized exercise programs designed to enhance overall health and vitality during the recovery process. Additionally, clients have the opportunity to learn about 12-Step recovery principles and participate in fellowships like Al-Anon or Alateen, fostering a sense of community and ongoing support. Upon completion of our programs, individuals have access to an aftercare program that offers continued resources and support as they transition from detox and rehabilitation back into their daily lives.

At our Christian drug rehab, we are committed to providing comprehensive and holistic care that caters to the diverse needs of those affected by substance abuse, irrespective of their faith background.

To learn how Faith in Recovery can help you or a loved one overcome addiction, call us today at 888-280-4763.

Sources:

NIH - Helping Children of Addicted Parents Find Help

NCBI - Understanding the Diverse Needs of Children whose Parents Abuse Substances

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