Last Updated on December 10, 2019 by Valarie Ward

It’s a fact; you cannot be a perfect parent. No matter how good your intentions or how well thought out your actions, perfection is impossible. Yet, despite the impossibility of perfect parenting, your actions still impact your child. Every decision, good and bad, leaves an impression and shapes their future.

Your substance use impacts your child. No matter how much you hide it, no matter how much you talk a good game, your child sees and feels the aftermath of substance use and abuse.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Your Child

All it takes is one parent. If they abuse drugs and/or alcohol, the home and child experience adverse side effects, including:

• Chaos: Orderliness and predictability make the home feel safe. When a parent suffers from substance abuse, these elements are replaced with chaos. Severe mood swings, a lack of household rules, and the absence of dependability leave your child in a state of deep insecurity.
• Emotional Impact: Ever notice how children are quick to spot problems? Their innocence makes it simple to distinguish right from wrong. Seeing a parent abuse substances leaves a strong emotional impact that grows predominantly negative over time. They harbor resentment because their parent(s) refused to or didn’t overcome their addiction.
• Guilt: As chaos descends and emotions run rampant, your child begins to feel guilt. They question why they are not a good enough reason for you to stop. They become overwhelmed by self-blame, which quickly spirals into anger. They fight feelings of rejection and often battle depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

The Chicago Tribune reports that drug and alcohol addiction can create interpersonal problems for all family members, not just those in the home. Even if your child does not live with you or is around you sparingly, your substance habits can ignite jealousy, conflict, emotional trauma, and violence. In addition, your substance abuse will introduce your child to unhealthy patterns and increase their likelihood of an addiction.

Family Therapy Options

Intervention and treatment are important factors in addressing and overcoming substance addiction. One-on-one and group therapy sessions can be instrumental to progress. Family therapy can also be beneficial, and it can provide needed support for your child.

• Family therapy focuses on the family’s strengths and resources to find ways to live without substances.
• It helps you and the family cope with the detoxification process, and it helps your family better understand your feelings and needs.
• Family therapy focuses in part on your child, helping them understand your fight and realize that they are not to blame.
• It also gives your child the tools they need to reduce their risk of developing a substance addiction.

Have You Lost Custody of Your Child?

What if your substance abuse problem has caused you to lose custody of your child? Their absence does not end the impact of your addiction, but you can make a positive impact by getting help. Treatment coupled with therapy can help you overcome your addiction and reconnect with your child.

You are your child’s best role model. Why not strive to give them the example they deserve? You can do it, and we can help. If you are ready to take control, contact us for an evaluation

Reference: Family and Child Lawyers in Louisiana.