Silent Victims of the Drug Epidemic in the United States
It is clear that the United States has a drug epidemic. Every person in the US is affected in some way by this epidemic. Most information about the epidemic does not include information about the children that are so very much effected, and because people are not focusing on the negative effects of children, the children are being left behind as suffers of addiction in America. These children can either live with their parent, or they can be separated from their parent due to death, incarceration, or being removed from the home, and even if they are not living with their parent, they can still feel and experience the effects of their parent suffering from substance use disorder. This website give tools and resources to caregivers of these vulnerable children to help combat any negative consequences that can happen due to their parent's disorder.
Consequences for The Child
Acadmeic Consequences
These Children are more likely to experience truancy, have lower grade point averages, grade retention, disciplinary issues, and concentration issues.
Emotional and Mental Health Consequences
The child is more likely to have a hard time building trusting relationships with others, guilt due to blaming themselves for their parents substance use disorder, shame, insecurity, and attachment issues. These children have a higher rate of eating disorders, and anxiety and depression disorders.
Behavioral Consequences
These children have an increased incidence of aggression, conduct disorders, impulsivity, and social withdrawal.
Connections
There is no such thing as a guide to parenting. Children do not come with a handbook. Parenting is hard, and being a caregiver to a child with a parent who suffers from substance use disorder comes with even more challenges. While there may not be a step-by-step guide, there are a multitude of resources that will help guide you and empower you to do the best that you can!
Community Resources
The community has plenty of opportunities and resources that encourage healthy development, from therapy to youth sports!
Respite Care
In order to be the best caregiver for the child, it is important to care for yourself as well. There are connections and support for you too!
My Why
I am a child of a parent with substance use disorder. My mother passed away when I was 4 years old from an overdose. I was very fortunate to have a family that ensured healthy childhood development for myself and my sister. My mission is to give other children, like myself, the opportunity to grow up and be successful. Every child, no matter their situation, can be successful, and there are tools available to make it happen.