Alcoholism is defined as an addiction to the consumption of alcoholic liquor or mental illness and compulsive behavior resulting from alcohol dependency.
Substance Use Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It is considered a brain disorder.
Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorder are serious illnesses and if not treated with added long-term support then the addicted person can face severely negative effects on their physical and emotional health. In the worst-case scenario, the addicted person can even face death.
When parents suffer and struggle from either of these addictions there can be major negative consequences for the family. The family may feel anger, sadness, distrust, disappointment, and/or desperation toward the parent or parents. Also, many aspects of their family life can be damaged. Routine household and financial needs, child-rearing, and relationships can be deeply affected. There can also be loss of home, loss of employment, loss of relationships with family or friends, or even loss of custody of their children.
Now can the pressures of parenthood bring on these addictions? Yes and No. YES, because normal life stressors with the added stress of raising children and especially caring for children who are medically fragile or have special needs can be more than some parents can handle. The pressures of parenthood can also cause tension in the relationship between the parents, thus leading to finding ways to cope. NO, because some people can be genetically predisposed to becoming addicted to substances. A parent may start due to a variety of reasons, for example, just wanting to be social or wanting to decompress from life stressors. Then one day, they realize that the substance use has gotten out of control and they struggle to stop.
So, how can parents get help for their alcohol or drug addictions? Well, going to a medical health professional who can refer you to a treatment center is always a good place to start. After treatment, there will need to be ongoing support. Examples of ongoing support are Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Behavioral therapies, medications, and support groups are also good ways to help maintain sobriety.
As a Parent Life Coach, I help parents feel more Heard, Confident, and In Control of their lives. Allowing for better relationships, maintaining a positive mindset, and improving their life coping skills. I also view addictions as any other disorder so there are never any negative judgments. For parents struggling with alcohol and/or substance use addictions, I also offer grief support. I give parents Hope and the Help to Heal their physical and emotional health while living a balanced life.
If you are a parent (or not) and need help figuring out the first steps to treat your addiction then reach out to me. It would be my honor to help you start on your journey to recovery.
Your Parent Life Coach,
Nadege
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