COPING WITH GUILT ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S ADDICTION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Parents always do their best to raise children, often trying to give and arrange them the things they lacked in their own childhoods. Seeing a child suffering from addiction can be extremely difficult for parents, often causing them to feel guilt, shame, anxiety, frustration and many other emotions.

WHY DOES PARENTAL GUILT HAPPEN??

Parents are often told their actions shape their children’s destiny. To a certain extent, that is true. However, when a child suffers from addiction, parents may feel their actions caused that situation too.

This guilt is often a barrier to improving the situation. It can keep parents from encouraging children to take responsibility and can cause strain in the parent-child relationship. The resulting emotional issues can even trigger further drug or alcohol abuse and may make it harder for children to seek treatment.

Naturally, mothers and fathers want their children to get help when they need it, and that means tackling parental guilt before it can cause harm.