Parents

Support for the child of an addict or alcoholic

It’s likely that your parent’s addiction has taken a significant toll on you, and you deserve support to look after your wellbeing. There are numerous support groups dedicated to offering strength, guidance, and companionship to those who love individuals struggling with alcoholism and addiction (listed below). No matter how much you may feel disappointed or betrayed by your mum or dad’s actions, it’s important to remember that they are not choosing to be addicted to a particular behaviour, and it is probably causing them a lot of guilt and suffering. They need help as well.

When your parent or step-parent is in denial about their drinking, drug use, or gambling

Parents. Addiction is frequently marked by denial, secrecy, and shame. A parent or step-parent who is struggling with addiction often does not want to acknowledge it, even to themselves. They are likely the least inclined to admit it to their children, whom they naturally want to protect and care for. This urge to ignore or conceal the issue can lead to more harm due to dishonesty as they attempt to hide or continue their behaviour. They may also try to shift the blame onto others, which can be hurtful and damaging to relationships. Organising a staged intervention is one approach to confront their denial. An intervention involves gathering the people closest to your mum or dad to discuss the effects their behaviour has on those they love. Assisting an alcoholic or addict is best done by acting in a loving manner and steering clear of accusations and blame. It’s crucial to take measures to ensure your parent does not feel isolated or victimised during an intervention or any discussion about their behaviour. If they feel that way, they are likely to become defensive and less willing to accept help. Professional assistance can be sought to facilitate a successful intervention. An intervention should only be considered if you are confident that your parent will not react violently, or if precautions have been taken to guarantee the safety of everyone involved.

Signs that your parents may have an addiction

The following indicators of addiction may not be evident in every individual who requires assistance, but you might notice some of them. You or others are concerned about their behaviour (whether it’s drinking, drug use, or gambling). They experience withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, and vomiting when they go without alcohol or drugs for a while. Your parent shows feelings of guilt or remorse regarding their drinking, drug use, or addictive behaviours, such as gambling. Your parent is fixated on the problematic behaviour, like drinking or gambling, often discussing it, or on the other hand, they may be very secretive about it. They frequently or heavily engage in drinking, drug use, or their addictive behaviour, such as gambling. Your parent neglects other obligations or disappoints others due to their addictive behaviour – this could include missing events, appointments, or work, or failing to pay bills, for instance. The challenge in identifying addiction lies in the fact that ‘addiction’ and alcoholism do not manifest in the same manner every time. The signs and symptoms of alcoholism can vary from one person to another – some individuals dependent on alcohol can abstain for extended periods but then binge drink excessively. This NHS test can assist in forming a clearer opinion on whether someone’s drinking is harmful. ‘Functioning alcoholics’ can maintain jobs and seem to lead normal lives for many years while being reliant on alcohol. The same applies to individuals who may be gambling, using drugs, or displaying other destructive behaviours.

The effect of a parent’s addiction on their children

A parent’s addiction can significantly affect a child, whether they are an adult or still under 18. Growing up in a home with an addicted individual can be particularly harmful, leading to various mental health issues, feelings of guilt, fear, low self-esteem, confidence challenges, and risks of harm and neglect. If you are a child living with a parent who struggles with addiction, don’t hesitate to seek help. Confidential support is available through Child line, where someone is available 24/7 to assist you. Children of parents with addiction may face a higher risk of developing alcoholism or other addictions themselves. Genetics can play a part, as can the trauma of caring for someone with an addiction or being raised in such an environment. However, it’s important to note that not all children of addicted parents will become addicted themselves. How to seek treatment for a parent with drug, alcohol, or behavioural issues

To seek treatment for a parent dealing with alcohol, drugs, or other behavioural problems, it is essential that they are willing to accept help.

cannot do it for them, nor can you fix their issues. The more support they receive from professionals, peers, and family, the more likely they are to recover. Residential rehabilitation is the most effective treatment for individuals with long-standing and severe addiction issues, especially for those who have previously attempted recovery without success. This type of treatment may sometimes be available through the NHS and is often more accessible privately than many people think. Treatment options may include: NHS-based support, which can encompass medication, counselling, specific programs, and, for those in greatest need, rehabilitation. Community-based or online recovery programs, possibly with peer support. Support groups. Counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, and/or psychotherapy. Somatic therapies, such as equine therapy. Detoxification.