Children and a Parent's Addiction- How to talk to your child about a parents addiction

Growing up in a family in which a member is addicted to alcohol or drugs , can be chaotic and scary to a child. Witnessing the fights and the tears between the parents and the displaced anger they are inflicted upon many times makes them believe that they are responsible for the drinking or using of their addicted parent.  It is confusing. They can get reactive, aggressive angry. The academic studies are affected. They can become under achievers or over achievers to compensate for the helplessness and anger they feel. Many a time they too begin using addictive substances. They can be more mature for their age.


They are faced with repeated promises of giving up and being lied to and lied about by their addicted loved one. Taking care of ones needs in such situations seems not right to them.

How to speak to your child depends on their age. the primary premise being the child should be told the truth in an age appropriate manner.

Read full article here: Children and a Parent's Addiction