Effects of Parental Drug Abuse on Kids & Teens

Families work to guide children in social roles and etiquette. When a parent who is supposed to nurture a family becomes emotionally and physically removed, the children are affected in a variety of behavioral, emotional and social ways. In this entry, we will discuss the effects of parental drug abuse on children and teens. 

Health

The effects of addiction and drug use can begin in the womb. Prenatal exposure to drugs is often associated with an array of developmental disorders, miscarriage, infant death, learning disabilities, premature birth, and a number of psychological and metal issues in the effected child.

Development

Drug abuse in parents serves to hinder growth in effected children. Disruptive attitudes, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and behavioral problems are all quite common. Traumatic incidents caused by addicted parents may lead to emotional, social and behavioral development issues. Children may begin alienating themselves from both peers and parents, causing difficulties in social situations later in life.

Relationships

Parents must set a good example for their children in regard to drug and alcohol abuse. Addicted parents often fail to provide proper nurturing to their children due to excess stress, family conflicts and a lack of guidance.

As with any relationship, communication between parent and child is vital to reciprocal respect and understanding between both parties. Many kids and teens experience difficulty maintaining honest and transparent relationships with addicted parents, causing only heartache and resentment in later life.

Academics

Kids with addicted parents often lose academic motivation. Grades may plummet, behaviors may tank, and the trouble may loom. A lack of guidance and/or involvement from the parents can result in psychological issues affecting academic performance.

Confusion and insecurity are also common in children with addicted parents. Many feel threatened or frightened by the behaviors exemplified by those who should be setting the example. As such, many children end up working well below their potential.

If somebody you love is struggling with a drug addiction, Above It All treatment center is the place to call. Pick up the phone today, and let our team of addiction specialists help your family back on track towards the healthy, happy life you deserve. 

Family Roles in Recovery

Addiction poses an array of issues for a family. Loved ones will search for ways to help their addicted family members through means that enable or increase the individual’s tendencies to pursue their addiction, rather than address the behavior head-on. Because loved ones look to each other for support, assistance and guidance, education, support and involvement of the surrounding family members throughout recovery is vital to the successful treatment of the addict. In this entry, we will discuss some of the roles of family throughout the healing process.

Benefits

Studies show a direct correlation between family and social support and diminished relapse risks in recovering addicts. As such, it is crucial that family support be a top priority throughout the treatment process to ensure a heightened chance of long-term success.

Compliance

A family’s involvement throughout a recovery program, works to promote an addict’s commitment to the process. Family confrontation and encouragement can often mean the difference between an addict defecting or remaining in treatment. Loved ones are often best suited to warn recovering addicts of potential relapse signs and dangers while encouraging compliance with the recovery process.

Self Expression

Close friends and family members will often experience feelings of anger, resentment, fear and mistrust toward the addict. A family’s continued involvement throughout the recovery process promotes the expression of these feelings, while encouraging a loving and proactive family dynamic moving forward.

 Penetrating Denial

Explaining pertinent details of the behaviors exemplified by the addict while under the influence can often serve as a catalyst in overcoming denial. Vivid and sometimes painful realizations pertaining to the extent of the addiction will often result in a true desire to carry out the recovery process during the early treatment stages.

Support

Because addiction affects both addict and family alike, mutual support is vital to both parties. Participants are educated about the addiction, enabling, the types of substances involved, relapse signs, and how best to avoid relapse risks.

Family members are taught lessons in self-awareness while learning how to focus on their own needs. Family members struggling with their own addiction troubles will also receive support and guidance in addressing their own issues. 

What Is “Rock Bottom”?

Difficult periods come and go throughout the spectrum of life. One minute you’re up… the next you’re down. Sometimes we end up a little further down than anticipated. Sometimes the result is “rock bottom”. 

For some people, hitting this point serves as the wake-up call needed to turn their life around. This far down, the only way out is up. In this entry, we will discuss some common signs of “rock bottom” to help promote a safe and stealthy recovery.

1 – Loss of employment. With most Americans living paycheck to paycheck, losing a job often means a loss of the necessities required for survival, ie. shelter, clothing and food!

2 – Loss of friends and family. After a long enough period, you may begin finding yourself alienated from friends and family members. Your loved ones may find it difficult watching someone self-destruct and pull away to the hurt.

3 – Loss of property. The repossession of furniture items, a vehicle or home can be a sobering experience indeed. Some addicts may even steal or pawn items to get by each month.

4 – Loss of confidence. The events leading up to “rock bottom” can often take a toll on the individual’s physical, mental and emotional health. Common symptoms include stress, depression, insomnia and anxiety. Such afflictions can immobilize a person, making it difficult to complete routine tasks, such as eating, leaving bed, basic hygiene upkeep, etc.

Are you there?

If you've hit bottom, AboveItAllTreatment.com is the site for you! Visit today, and get started on the trek back towards the healthy, happy, fulfilling lifestyle you've been missing. 

Do I Have A Prescription Addiction?

Prescription drug abuse is not uncommon. What begins as a physician prescribed pain management solution may quickly lead to a full-blown addiction, impacting relationships, employment, finances and health. In this entry, we will provide you with a few tips to help recognize a prescription pill addiction.

1 – It is important to understand that this type of addiction is not limited to any one type of pill. In fact, recent studies have uncovered that many OTC medications can also lead to addictive problems. When it comes to abuse and dependency, no pill or substance should be underestimated.

2 – One of the main ways to determine a prescription drug addiction is a growing tolerance for the substance they are taking. When a users begins to develop a tolerance, they must use more of the substance in question to achieve the desired effect.

3 – Prescription drug addicts will often exhibit from poor performance at school and/or work. A once well organized individual may begin losing the ability to perform at the same level.

4 – Interest levels in activities or hobbies once held dear may begin to wane. Individuals who once interacted with others on a regular basis may alienate themselves and become withdrawn.

5 – Prolonged drug addiction may ultimately begin to impact healthy legal and relationship statuses.

6 – Wild mood swings. Not just a bad day…

7 – Financial troubles are common in those who are drug dependent… Whether due to habit support or general irresponsibility.

Need Help?

Ready to get sober? Visit AboveItAllTreatment.com today! 

Living With An Addictive Personality

Once viewed as a psychological disorder of gluttony and excess, addiction has come to light as a physiological disease rooted deep in the brain chemistry and wiring. Though there is no cure for addiction, a number of therapies and treatments have proven effective in addressing addictive behaviors and compulsions. However, it is important to educate oneself regarding the complexity and difficulty of these behaviors before treatment can offer any hope of success.

1 – Self-awareness is key to combating an addictive personality. Keeping in tune with behaviors actions and reactions will create a base from which to create a healthy, happy, and sober lifestyle. Understanding which triggers – chemical, emotional, psychical - to look for and avoid will help ensure consistency, while keeping temptation at arms length.

2 – Communication is yet another ally in the fight towards recovery. Addicts must face a lifelong struggle in addressing negative compulsions, and as with any battle, one should not fight alone. Family, friends and significant others should be kept in the loop and made aware of the situation to ensure the best interests of the addict are promoted and upheld. The more people you have on your team, the better chance of success.

3 – Because addition is a lifelong affliction, perseverance is essential to success. Bouts of sadness and difficulty are all but certain, but the understanding that these times are temporary is paramount to a continued recovery.

You may trip. You may fall. So long as you pick yourself up, you will not fail. 

Need Help?

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, Above It All alcohol & drug treatment center is the place to call. Pick up the phone today, and let our team of addiction specialists help you back on track towards the healthy, happy, and fulfilling lifestyle you’ve been missing.