A child looks to his parents or caregivers for total support—from birth to adulthood. But what happens to a child when the parents are addicted to drugs or alcohol?
It’s estimated that 25 percent of youth under age 18 are exposed to family alcohol abuse or dependence. Research shows that children in this environment are more likely to develop depression or anxiety in adolescence and use alcohol or other drugs early on. Having a parent who is addicted to drugs or alcohol can lead to lifelong problems if the child or teen doesn’t get help and support.
February 12–18, 2012, is Children of Alcoholics Week, an event to celebrate the recovery of children of all ages who have gotten the help they needed to recover from the pain they experienced as a result of a close family member’s alcohol problems. The observance also offers hope to those still suffering.
Help is out there. Teens can talk to a school guidance counselor, coach, or trusted teacher. For those who attend religious services, a clergy member is also an option.
Teens may be reluctant to talk to an acquaintance about such a personal problem. Another good option is Alateen, a program that offers support for children of parents who are addicted. Alateen members come together in a free and confidential setting to:
- Share experiences and hope.
- Discuss difficulties.
- Learn effective ways to cope with problems.
- Encourage one another.
Another option is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This service is also confidential, and counselors can help with substance abuse and family problems, in addition to suicide prevention. Find out more about Children of Alcoholics Week.
Comments
shame on you and NIDA for not coming up with alternatives to AlaTeen
Alateen is one of several nonprofit mutual support groups that help families of alcohol or drug abusers. These groups are not connected with the Federal Government. No doubt family members of drug abusers need a forum to share their experiences. NIDA supports research and does not provide services like support groups. But we do have lots of information available on our website, www.drugabues.gov and on NIDA’s Teen website, http://teens.drugabuse.gov. Also, our sister agency, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website, www.samhsa.gov, has a lot of good resources, including information on “mutual support groups.”
Hi! I read this post and i want to say something about that;
to my opinion first reason to start using drag, smoking etc. circle of friends. Bad friends is way to bad addict
[commercial link removed, per guidelines]
well written
arun
[commercial link removed, per guidelines]
It’s very good to know that children’s whose parents get addicted to drug or alcohol there is Alateen program which offers support for children. In this program all the children’s whose parents are addicted to drug can share their experience, their difficulties with one another. I think this is the best platform where they can get support and love.
Its so sad for these poor kids who have to go through life and can't rely on their parents because they're parents are addicted to drugs. It must be really hard for them, they must feel scared sometimes. Thats good people formed this group called The Alateen Program which helps and teens and kids to give them support because of there parents addicted to drugs or alcohol. I'm glad people care for these teens and kids. What love and kindness people have. WELL DONE!!!!!
Its great for the ones who can get help. Sadly nobody helped us as kids . We were scared, confused verbally abused and witnessed our parents killing each other .. It's taken me a good ten years to get over 18 years of pain. Nobody helped us !! Have my own daughter now. Love her so much x
I would just like to say that im pleased that there is programs directed at assisting children whose parents abuse alcohol. Kids Under the Influence is a campaign im running in Australia. I would eventually like to get younger adults who have recovered from their parents misusing alcohol to help establish a website and be mentor for children who are still being effected. Do these young adults get involved in Children of Alcoholics Week? and how do they assist children who are still affected? I would love to explore this campaign further so that i can adopt it similarly in Australia. If you want to check out my Facebook: [link removed per guidelines] Keep up the good work!
What a great goal! Yes, Children of Alcoholics Week is for children of all ages! Do check out the National Association of Children of Alcoholics (http://www.nacoa.org/) for more information about this initiative. Also, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/) for more resources about alcoholism and the toll it can take on families.
Add new comment