Drug addiction gets passed through families like a genetic disease. A child who uses drugs isn’t always following in the footsteps of their parents, and there are many drug users who were raised by loving, drug free parents. However, a parent who smokes heavily is more likely to raise a child who also smokes, and a parent who is addicted to drugs is more likely to raise a child who becomes addicted also.
- It Produces Dangerous Role Models
Parents are role models that children look up to, but they are also teachers from whom children learn the ways of the world. If a child was raised by a parent who used drugs every day, they will assume this behavior is acceptable. A drug addict may also introduce their child to drugs; whether this is intentional or not, they are less likely to discipline a child that they find out is using.
- Children Are Robbed of Their Innocence
The children who don’t follow in their parents’ footsteps and don’t abuse drugs or alcohol still have to deal with the trauma of seeing their parents go through it. They can develop a form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, as their youth consisted of ample abuse, loneliness, humiliation, and abandonment.
They are often forced to become self reliant at a very young age, losing their innocence to have it replaced by responsibility, anxiety, and stress.
- Children Suffer Abuse
No parent should let their child suffer, but under the influence of drugs and alcohol, many do. Horrific stories of parents going on drug binges while their baby starves to death are rare and are thankfully the exception, but many children still suffer some form of neglect or abuse at the hands of an addicted parent.
A parent who is addicted to drugs is more likely to neglect a young child’s hygiene and diet, they are more likely to expose them to disease and illness and to ignore the initial signs of those diseases when they arise. This is especially common in households where both parents are addicts and/or heavy users, but it’s something that is happening in millions of households across the United States.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addition and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery, and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
