Breaking The Cycle of Addiction

Children of Alcoholics Week February 8-14, 2015 A Celebration of Hope and

Healing Across Generations is celebrated internationally in multiple countries.

Breaking The Cycle of Addiction.

Childhood can and should be a time of wonder and discovery. But for children of addicted parents, life is often filled with shame, suffering and fear. Most people are aware of the devastating impact addiction has on the dependent person. But many do not recognise the difficulties and harms faced by children who live in the destructive aftermath of parents suffering from the disease of alcohol or drug dependence.

Science shows that children in families affected by addiction are at increased risk for illness, injury, emotional disturbances, educational deficits, and behavioural problems. Some face physical abuse or neglect. More often, they experience shame, confusion, anger, sadness or a sense that they are somehow to blame. These children may find themselves trapped by the same disease that affects their parents unless there is outside intervention from caring adults.

It is a fact that children of addicted parents are two to four times more likely to have their own addiction later in life and continue the addictive practices of their parents.

The good news is that children growing up in addicted families can be helped even if the addicted adults in their families don’t get treatment and the generational cycle of addiction in families can be broken.

Accurate information helps these children understand that addiction is a disease that has nothing to do with them – they are not to blame for the behaviours happening at home. According to the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NaCoa), the life skills that children of addicted parents need can be gained through educational support groups and healthy relationships with others, especially adults who show that they care about children. You do not need formal training to be caring and supportive. By providing these children with experiences in which they have opportunities to succeed, they can learn to respect themselves and cope with their situations.

An organisation, such as The Familial Trust in Christchurch, that speaks for children whose parents suffer from addiction is one place who can help. They provide education, support and mentoring – both one-on-one and through groups – to young people aged 5-18 years. The young people realise that they are not alone and that there are safe, caring adults and places who can help. Problem-solving techniques, self-care strategies and safety plans also provide practical solutions to problems occurring in their families.

Familial Trust encourages everyone to raise awareness by observing Children of Alcoholics Week to help bring attention to affected children and highlight the hope and healing that can come from caring adults and support programmes.

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