Finding Strength as a Child of an Addicted Parent

Every child has a right to a have a parent that will help them teach responsibility, skills to survive in this hectic world, and a peaceful place to live. These are just the basics. The reality is not every child gets to enjoy these important parts of life. When a child has a parent that is addicted to opioids and other drugs it poses a line of problems that can be hard to overcome. The success rate for children with opioid parents is not as high as children with parents that do not take opioids. Here are some of the issues that plague kids with addicted parents. Here are also some solutions to help a child with an addicted parent.

Money

Money can always be an issue with addicted parents. They may be spending the money on their addiction. Instead of spending money on the child for things they need to succeed, addicted parents usually waste the money. The parents also teach bad spending habits to the children. Addicted parents teach their kids that spending money on drugs to face their problems doesn’t really work.

Accessibility

Parents need to be there for their children. When a parent is addicted, they take up a lot of time getting their opioid or other drug, using it, and then the time to deal with the adverse effects. These things take away from the time a child must ask a parent’s questions that they have about their life. As well, the time the parents use is time better spent with the child teaching him or her new things. A child usually feels worried about the mood a parent is in depending on whether they are on a drug or off the drug looking for their next fix.

Strange Behavior

Parents who use drugs often display behavior that is strange or odd. These behaviors can often make a child feel helpless, insecure, fearful, and ashamed. A child needs to be protected and given a home full of security and safety. Strange words and strange behaviors by a parent with addiction really sets a terrible example. When a parent acts strangely, kids can lash out and start acting strange. Kids need to go to school feeling good about where they live and who their parents are. An ashamed child is less likely to excel in school.

Filling in the Blanks

One of the main things a child with a drug addicted parent can do to ensure their success in life, is find a place like the YMCA or another helpful organization. A child of an opioid addicted parent needs to find a mentor or an adult that is not addicted. This mentor needs to be able to help this child achieve better in their life. A child of a parent with an addiction needs examples of success, responsibility, guidance, help with their emotional and psychological issues. There are places and people very willing to help. It is important for a child of an addicted parent not to be ashamed to ask for help.

If you or someone you love is addicted, there is hope. Contact us at Addiction Outreach Clinic for a confidential consultation.