The Impact On Children Who Parents Are Alcoholics Or Drug Addicts / Educational Video PSA. Children in families experiencing alcohol or drug abuse need attention, guidance and support. They may be growing up in homes in which the problems are either denied or covered up. These children need to have their experiences validated. They also need safe, reliable adults in whom to confide and who will support them, reassure them, and provide them with appropriate help for their age. They need to have fun and just be kids. Families with alcohol and drug problems usually have high levels of stress and confusion. High stress family environments are a risk factor for early and dangerous substance use, as well as mental and physical health problems. It is important to talk honestly with children about what is happening in the family and to help them express their concerns and feelings. Children need to trust the adults in their lives and to believe that they will support them. Children living with alcohol or drug abuse in the family can benefit from participating in educational support groups in their school student istance programs. Those age 11 and older can join Alateen groups, which meet in community settings and provide healthy connections with others coping with similar issues. Being ociated with the activities of a faith community can also help. Dependence on alcohol and drugs is our most serious national public health problem. It is prevalent among rich and poor, in all regions of the country, and all ethnic and social groups. Millions of Americans misuse or are dependent on alcohol or drugs. Most of them have families who suffer the consequences, often serious, of living with this illness. If there is alcohol or drug dependence in your family, remember you are not alone. Most individuals who abuse alcohol or drugs have jobs and are productive members of society creating a false hope in the family that “it’s not that bad.” The problem is that addiction tends to worsen over time, hurting both the addicted person and all the family members. It is especially damaging to young children and adolescents. People with this illness really may believe that they drink normally or that “everyone” takes drugs. These false beliefs are called denial; this denial is a part of the illness. Alcoholism and other drug addiction have genetic and environmental causes. Both have serious consequences for children who live in homes where parents are involved. More than 28 million Americans are children of alcoholics; nearly 11 million are under the age of 18. This figure is magnified by the countless number of others who are affected by parents who are impaired by other psychoactive drugs. Alcoholism and other drug addiction tend to run in families. Children of addicted parents are more at risk for alcoholism and other drug abuse than are other children. Children of addicted parents are the highest risk group of children to become alcohol and drug abusers due to both genetic and family environment factors. Biological children of alcohol dependent parents who have been adopted continue to have an increased risk (2-9 fold) of developing alcoholism. Recent studies suggest a strong genetic component, particularly for early onset of alcoholism in males. Sons of alcoholic fathers are at fourfold risk compared with the male offspring of non-alcoholic fathers. Use of substances by parents and their adolescent children is strongly correlated; generally, if parents take drugs, sooner or later their children will also. Adolescents who use drugs are more likely to have one or more parents who also use drugs. The influence of parental attitudes on a child’s drug taking behaviors may be as important as actual drug abuse by the parents. An adolescent who perceives that a parent is permissive about the use of drugs is more likely to use drugs. Public Service Announcement from SAMHSA in the public domain. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; Center for Mental Health Services; Center for Substance Abuse Prevention; Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
Duration : 0:57:5
June 25th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
what kinds of psych …
what kinds of psych. issues do u have if u dont mind me asking.. im doing some research right now on children of alcoholics right now
June 25th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
How do you propose …
How do you propose to “stop” one who is unfit from having kids?
June 25th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
My child was born …
My child was born with Smith-Magenis Syndrome. I did NOT drink or do any drugs at all when I was pregnant with her. Her dad left when she was 2. I found myself self-medicating with alcohol to where it became a huge problem. I am sober now and still raising my child (8), but it is hard. To say that people should have to prove they are fit before they have children is absurd, and must come from someone who can’t have kids or is extremely bitter.
June 25th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
WolfSyndrome… not …
WolfSyndrome… not always babies having babies in alcoholic homes. My parents were married 7 yrs when I was born (first child). My mom was 30 and my dad was 35. So you cannot generalize the problem. It’s something that affects all social classes, races, nationality, ages, etc.
June 25th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Lots of life …
Lots of life experience has made my views extreme. We, as a society, offer financial incentives for 16 year old drug addicts to get pregnant in order to get out of their parents houses and into subsidized housing. We give them monthly stipends which they use to buy drugs while the kids are neglected and scarred for life. Our misguided attempts to help merely perpetuate the problem. People should not be allowed to have kids until they’re capable of raising them properly. We owe kids that.
June 25th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
You don’t sound …
You don’t sound like you have too much experience in life. I understand your thinking but what your saying is nearly unrealistic. A lot of issues can happen after a child is born. The most important thing to teach any person young or old is to have compassion for others. In this way a child acheives in the spiritual realm which is really the most powerful one. As far as money, the most powerful people I know are the ones who were poor when they were a child.
June 25th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
People should have …
People should have to prove their ability to be good parents before they’re allowed to have kids, then these issues would all be moot. They should have to prove there is no alcohol or drug abuse, no evidence of violence, meet minimum intelligence levels, and have stable jobs with enough money saved to support themselves and a child. We have laws for everything else, why not have laws that could make it possible for all children to have a healthy family environment.
June 25th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
all these problems …
all these problems can be summed up with one phrase: babies raising babies
June 25th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
bluemoon576, I am …
bluemoon576, I am very sorry to hear about your experiences (our family had similiar problems) — but thank you for sharing them — they will help others. Thank you for your comments — we wish you well! Regards…
June 25th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
I lived in an …
I lived in an alcoholic home since I was born until my early 20’s. My father hasn’t had a drink in 10 yrs now, he’s goes to AA meetings. I’m so thankful that he quit drinking. I never used drugs, never smoked or drunk. But I have serious psychological issues, especially now that I’m in my 30’s. My dad and I have a healthy relationship nowadays but I still carry some bad issues from these awful times when my dad drank. Thanks for posting this video!
June 25th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
CPAsheldon, thank …
CPAsheldon, thank you very much for your comments!
June 25th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
I was blessed to …
I was blessed to have grandparents and parents who warned of the dangers of alchohol and drugs throughout my growing years. Thanks for sharing this video about this organization that can help.