This blog post discusses the impact of parental alcohol misuse on children. While we recognize that organizations like Renascent and other recovery programs use terms such as alcoholic, we also acknowledge that language can shape understanding and experiences. Our goal is to provide compassionate and informative content that supports those affected.
The impact of substance abuse
Growing up with a loved one who has struggled with substance abuse can be overwhelming and lonely. For those who have grown up with parents who have suffered with addiction; it can have both short and long-term side effects.
Children of alcoholics can experience a variety of psychosocial symptoms that display at an early age.
- Anxious behaviours: Constant unpredictability in their environment can foster chronic stress and anxiety.
- Difficulties concentrating: Someone’s home life can make it hard to focus in school or other areas of life.
- Feelings of low self-esteem: A lack of emotional validation or nurturing leads to deep-seated self-doubt.
- Anger issues: Frustration and unresolved trauma may manifest as aggression or outbursts.
- Extreme emotional reactions to sensitive situations: Living in a volatile household can make children hypersensitive to conflict and stress.
- Early use of alcohol and drugs: Exposure to substance abuse increases the likelihood of following a similar path.
When a child grows up with a parent who has struggled with substance abuse it can shape their relationships, emotional development, and self-perception. Everyone’s upbringing is different, and although not everyone’s experiences are the same — everyone deserves healing and support.
Recognizing both the challenges and strengths that come from such an upbringing can be empowering. By addressing past wounds, those growing up with alcoholic parents can work toward breaking cycles, embracing self-care, and building healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Addressing trauma in children of alcoholic parents
Supporting children with trauma requires a compassionate, stable, and supportive approach that prioritizes their emotional and psychological well-being. Due to their upbringing, they can often feel and experience bursts of unpredictability and emotional distress; this can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and struggle with forming healthy relationships.
It’s important to provide a safe environment where they can feel heard and validated. By doing this, they will be encouraged to participate in discussions about their feelings, have a consistent routine, and connect them with support where they are able to process their experiences.
Providing a safe environment where they feel heard and validated is crucial. Building resilience through positive reinforcement, fostering healthy coping mechanisms, and surrounding them with caring, reliable adults can mitigate the long-term effects of their trauma and help them develop a sense of security and self-worth.
Renascent’s Essential Family Care Program
We offer programs that support the loved ones of people living with addiction, including their parents, younger children and teens.
Children’s Program
With our children’s program, our goal is to provide support for children ages 7 to 13 to help them understand how addiction has made an impact on their family. Alongside their child, their caregiver who is not in active recovery will participate in the program over the course of 4-weeks. During their time in this program, they will gain the tools and skills they need to support recovery within their family. Learn more about the children’s program.
Teen Program
Our teen program is meant for ages 13 to 18, and is intended to provide support for teens who have been impacted by a loved one’s addiction. This program builds upon our children’s program; and is developed for youth who are in a transitional stage of their lives. Through this program, youth are provided with structured support that is safe and welcoming. Learn more about the teen program.
Essential Family Care Program
The Essential Family Care program provides adult loved ones with the knowledge they need to understand the relationship between addiction and recovery, and how it affects the family. Your loved one does not have to be participating in one of Renascent’s addiction programs, we also welcome Al-Anon members who are looking for additional resources and support. Learn more about our Essential Family Care program.
At Renascent, we support those who are and have experienced addiction but also their families and loved ones. With our Family Care program, we understand that addiction is a family illness, and can affect everyone. If you are in need of support, Renascent is here for you.
