According to statistics from the National Survey on Drug Use
and Health more than 8 million children live with at least one parent who was
addicted to alcohol or drugs. Addiction in the home by parents causes many
problems including neglect, abuse, and even emotional and developmental
problems amongst children.
Often the main goal of parents who abuse drugs is to
continue to get and use these substances, leaving the kids with a negative
impact that lasts a lifetime.
When a drug addiction is going on in the home children are
likely to know there is something wrong. And as they get older and older they
can pinpoint drug addiction and strange behavior by parents because of it. If a
parent is addicted the best solution is for them to get into treatment; but how
do you tell your children that you have a drug problem?
Honesty Is The Best
Policy
As stated above children usually know when there is an issue
with a parent. Being honest about the dangers of drugs, how a person can fall
into an addiction and allow your child to ask questions. Don’t get into any
details not suitable for children but be honest on the negative consequences of
addiction and how much you want to resolve it.
Provide Solutions
When you admit that you are having a drug problem it is key
to tell your child that you are getting help and reassure then that the problem
can be resolved. Thinking that there is no stability in the home or that things
“won’t ever be ok” is not a good feeling for any child. Make sure you reassure
your son or daughter that you will do everything to get through this issue and
come out on the other side, a better parent.
Telling them the truth about your addiction may answer some
unanswered questions but make sure your son or daughter knows that there is a
real solution to the problem.
Let Them Know They
Will Be Taken Care Of
If you are letting your child know that you are enrolling in
treatment and have an addiction problem make sure that they know that they will
be taken care of. Make sure arrangements are made for them to stay with a
family member or trusted friend and that the person they are staying with knows
their routine, likes and dislikes so that their life doesn’t have to be modified
any more than it has to be.
During the treatment process stay in good communication with
your children so that they know you are committied to gaining sobriety and
being a better parent.
Offer Love
Above all letting your children know you are addicted can be
traumatic. But it can be worse when the drug problem is ongoing. Tell your
children how much you love them and make sure that they don’t blame themselves
for your issues. Give them an idea of how important they are to you and how
much you want to resolve the issue and improve.
As sad, embarrassing, and upsetting it can be to tell your
child the bad news about substance abuse it can be a step in the right
direction if that direction is leading you to treatment. And during treatment
the focus should be on resolving the issues that lead to addiction and learning
skills that prevent relapse and give a parent life-long sobriety. Teaching of
parenting skills may also be beneficial and after treatment actions should be
taken to improve one’s condition with their children and to provide love and
stability in the home permanently.
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