July 16, 2010
A Doctor's Advice
Children of addicted parents — A common problem
BY DR. WILLIAM WOOTEN
The women were in tears as they walked out of the courtroom handcuffed together. At the same time, young children sat watching from the laps of family members and friends in the audience. The children’s expressions were sad and, sometimes, they cried. At other times, they showed an expression of “worry” as they watched the women in orange jumpsuits, handcuffs and ankle chains leaving the room. A few showed little emotion. Some were watching their mothers go to jail. Others may have been watching a sister, aunt or even a grandmother going back to their cell in Vanderburgh County Jail.
This is a common scene in the Vanderburgh County Drug Court, a program that assists addicted offenders while, at the same time, holds them immediately accountable for any misbehavior. Non-violent offenders are offered an opportunity to receive treatment and, if successful, avoid legal consequences. They must report to the court worker daily, submit to urine drug screens, and appear in court weekly to answer questions about their progress or problems. If they fail a drug screen, or are not compliant with program rules or treatment recommendations, they may return to jail and be scheduled for trial.
One would think that children, like those in the courtroom, who witness the misery experienced by an addicted parent, are less likely to “be like Dad or Mom.” However, just the opposite is true.
Through no fault of their own, children are born or often thrust into families with alcohol or other drug problems. These environments pose great risks to the child’s immediate and future wellbeing and threatens achievement of their fullest potential. One in four children in the United States is exposed to alcohol abuse or dependence in the family. Some will overcome the obstacles; however many are affected for life and go on to develop substance abuse problems of their own.
Facts about children of addicted or alcoholic parents
- Due to genetic and environmental factors, children of addicted parents are the highest risk group of children to become substance abusers.
- These families often exhibit conflict, emotional or physical violence, decreased family cohesion, decreased family organization, increased family isolation, increased family stress, illness, marital strain, financial problems and frequent moves.
- Most child welfare officials feel that drug and alcohol problems are the top cause for the rise in child mistreatment since 1986.
- 79 percent of teen runaways and homeless children report alcohol use in the home, 53 percent report a family member with a problem drinking and 54 percent report drug use in their family.
- Children of addicted parents experience depression and anxiety more frequently than children of non-addicted parents.
There are many such children in Southwestern Indiana. What can you do? Getting the parent into treatment is the ideal step to take, but not always feasible. Chemically dependent people are frequently in denial and may resist your efforts to intervene. However, treatment works for many people with addictions and pays a rich dividend to the community with savings of $7 for every $1 spent. Addiction treatment programs that focus on family issues while providing treatment and support are beneficial to family members (even if the addict continues to use). After treatment, there is usually a reduction in absenteeism from work, accident rates, legal problems and reduction in utilization of healthcare by the patient and family.
Social support from healthy family members, friends and outside agencies can reduce the effects family drug and alcohol problems have on children. A non-addicted parent, grandparent, friend, teachers, and agencies such as Youth First, the YMCA or Boys & Girls Club can help children cope. Positive peer influences, bonding with school activities, opportunities for success and availability of drug-free activities are beneficial. Effective prevention programs, such as Youth First School Social Workers or the Skills for Life© program provided by Youth First to some elementary schools in the Diocese of Evansville, are beneficial to young people who live with an addicted parent.
If you know such a child, be a friend and a positive role model. Help them get involved with school activities. Assist them with homework and show an interest in their activities and success. Provide them a safe haven if there is turmoil at their home. Refer them to a supportive Youth First school social worker or another agency that can help. Offer the guidance that the addicted parent will not offer. If needed, call appropriate agencies to report abuse and neglect.
Don’t be afraid to get involved.
Useful youth, parent, and family information is available on the Youth First, Inc. website, www.YouthFirstInc.org.
The opinions, advice and information contained herein are not intended to provide professional medical advice or treatment, but are merely responses to questions from unidentified persons without advantage of actual knowledge of specific facts, circumstances and history of such person; and therefore, all responses contained herein should serve only as a suggested guide or possible course of action based on the question. Responses provided herein cannot replace professional assessment a person may receive from a visit with a healthcare professional. Youth First, Inc. hereby disclaims any and all responsibility or liability, which may be asserted or claimed arising from or claim to have arisen from reliance upon opinions, advice or information disclosed herein.