Children of Addicts: The Consequences

Addicts aren’t the only ones harmed by their substance abuse. It can also hurt everyone around them, including their families—and their children.

Over eight million children in the United States live with an addict, and that experience can haunt them for life. Children of addicts can suffer from multiple disorders, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Even worse, they are twice as likely to become an addict themselves.

Fortunately, these children can be helped. Psychologists have identified several coping strategies a child with an addicted parent can use in order to deal with the stress that comes from living with an addict. Many of these strategies are easy to learn and can be used by children by themselves in day-to-day living.

If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction, seek help as soon as possible. A treatment center can get the addict into a drug addiction treatment program that offers the most cutting-edge methods, including outpatient programs. To learn more about the issues children of addicts face and how to help them cope, contact us.