How Children are Affected by Drug Addicted Parents

Treatment of Drug Addiction
With over 30 million Americans currently struggling with substance abuse or alcoholism, it is shocking to remember the byproduct and repercussions of such a deadly epidemic. Economically, at a state and federal level, the price of addiction manifests through lost productivity and other devastating ways. Fatalities, traffic accidents and injuries related to substance abuse take thousands of lives each year, not to mention the accidental overdoses that occur more frequently amongst prescription drug addicts.

Despite all these tragic losses that result from substance abuse, the most saddening byproduct of substance abuse is the neglect, abuse, and maltreatment of children whose parents are addicted to drugs.

Because addiction and alcoholism alter perception and reality very frequently, children of parents who are chemically dependent are not uncommonly found to be put in harm’s way, neglected or otherwise abused.

Child Abuse Clearly Defined

The terms and circumstances, which define child abuse and neglect, are clearly defined at a federal level. According to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, the mistreatment of children is defined as:

Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caregiver, which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.

parents using drugs in front of children

What could this mean in the case of children put in danger by way of drug abuse in the home? While even just exposing children to dangerous and illegal drugs could easily be considered maltreatment, additional abuse or neglect may manifest in any of the following ways:

  • Violence or verbal abuse resulting from being drunk or high
  • Sexual abuse or behavior which makes a child feel uncomfortable
  • Forcing a child to hide an adult’s drug abuse or alcoholism
  • Consistently leaving a child alone at home
  • Consistently ignoring a child or their needs; lack of attention

The Long-term Effects of Childhood Exposure to Drug Use

Studies exist and have been completed which focus on the long-term effects of substance abuse on the youth who are present. A shocking number of currently detained prison inmates and rehab attendees admit they had a tumultuous upbringing, having experienced some sort of neglect, or physical, sexual or verbal abuse. Further, these individuals were aware of criminality or substance abuse in their environment, setting a powerfully negative example for such youth.

It is wholly observable that children who grow up amongst drug abuse, alcoholism and criminality tend to join in these activities.This creates something of a cyclic trend, making those children who are born into underprivileged homes and neighborhoods more likely to remain ‘in the system’ than those children who are born of better circumstances with attentive, drug-free parents.

Breaking the Cycle, What Can I Do

As we look at analyzing how drug-addicted parents affect children, we conclude that the most important focus of this issue is breaking the cycle of substance abuse amongst youth. Many youths have entered into drug and/or alcohol abuse paths of their own, largely due to their exposure to such activities as a young child. However, this cycle can be taken apart and the course of youth lives can be changed.

  • Support local children and family centers; these groups offer a safe environment and supportive care to children when parents are unable to.
  • Demand drug education in all schools in your area; although drug prevention begins in the home, having preventative education at a young age continues to be an effective way to keep kids off drugs.

Tips for Parents of Addicted Children

Treatment of Drug Addiction

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that nearly one out of every four 18-20-year-olds abused an illicit substance in the past month. Further, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA) found that more than 20 million people in the US have a substance use disorder, 24 million people currently use illicit drugs, and 16.5 million people are heavy alcohol drinkers.

If your child is one of the millions of people struggling with drug abuse, you may feel sad, confused, and unsure where to look for help.

5 Tips for Parents of Those Struggling with Addiction

Included here is a list of the best tips for parents of addicted children to follow. By utilizing these strategies, you can provide your child with the stability and understanding needed to aid in their treatment and recovery.

1. Strengthen the Relationship

Someone struggling with addiction will often use deceitful tactics to secure and use more of the substance, regardless of the negative outcomes for themselves or others. These actions will significantly damage the relationship you have worked to build with them. You can combat this by working to strengthen and rebuild the relationship.

A key way to accomplish this is through open and assertive communication. Good communication can help you catch problems early and react in appropriate ways. Assertive communication includes a balance of asking questions and actively listening to drive a productive conversation.

The best types of questions will be open-ended and nonjudgmental. An open-ended question is one that cannot be answered with one word. Open-ended questions are helpful because they allow for increased communication and a better exchange of ideas. These questions have the goal of learning more information about your child and allowing them to express their concerns, struggles, and hopes.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse has additional tips to improve communication with your addicted child. When communicating, try to:

  • Stay engaged and focused.
  • Display a sense of acceptance and understanding.
  • Be kind and respectful.
  • Reduce distractions.
  • Focus on the good.
  • Diminish negative reactions.

Being overly emotional is not a part of assertive communication. If you find yourself too upset, sarcastic, or irrational to manage your emotions, consider leaving the situation with a plan to return to the subject at another time. It’s very important to return to the conversation within a reasonable period — ignoring the problem will not make it go away.

2. Encourage Positive Behaviors and Treatment

When there is too much focus on the mistakes and poor decision-making of the child, they will have diminished confidence, lower self-esteem, and a decreased sense of personal power. These effects can lead to continued substance use. Instead, emphasize the positives and encourage desirable behaviors.

Using encouragement and optimism builds a sense of teamwork and cooperation while reducing conflict and negativity. This style will enable them to:

  • Try new healthy coping skills.
  • Engage in new activities.
  • Build more appropriate peer relationships.
  • Face challenges.

Focus on 3 Positive Messages

drugabuse-shutter227485807-father-supporting-son-at-soccer-game

Encouragement is not based on comparing your child to others, solving their problems for them, or focusing on past failures. Instead, according to NIDA, they focus on three positive messages:

  • You can do it. Example: “You can be successful. I believe it you.”
  • You have good ideas. Example: “You are smart and capable. How can I assist you?”
  • You are important. Example: “I value you and need you in my life.”

By keeping these messages in mind when interacting with your child, the communication will be empowering rather than critical or defeating. Communicating in a way that conveys you want your child to develop his full potential may also help you get him into a treatment program, a necessary step for many people to recover from drug addiction. You can be a partner to your child by helping research and tour treatment facilities. You can also provide continued support by attending appointments and family therapy. A healthy family dynamic is an essential element of success in recovery.

3. Create and Reinforce Consistent Guidelines

Establishing guidelines will set clear expectations for your child regarding acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. Clear, consistent rules are related to improved outcomes with addiction. Not only will guidelines help your child, they will help determine your reactions to situations as they present.

Guidelines work best when they are developed in collaboration with your child. This way, all parties have a say regarding the consequences of their behaviors before the behavior is completed.

The best guidelines will read like a list of cause and effect statements — if (action) occurs (response) will be the consequence. Since it is concretely established, there will be no surprises later. Of course, it will be impossible to cover every contingency, but by establishing guidelines for the most common events, you can reduce the odds of emotionally fueled reactions that have less-than-productive outcomes.

No matter how strong your guidelines, poor consistency will render them ineffective. If your child has been driving under the influence and you take their keys in some situations but not others, you are reducing the efficacy of your guidelines. This inconsistency will diminish the relationship with your child as their respect for you decreases.

Your child’s life is precious. Call 92 51 8467081  to learn about treatment options.
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4. Set Clear Boundaries

Whereas guidelines are a set of rules based on behaviors, your boundaries are the things that you will and will not do for your child. They represent reasonable ways for people to treat you and for you to treat them. Those with drug addictions are notoriously good at testing the boundaries of those they love directly, or indirectly through manipulation. Set your boundaries during periods of calm when you can think rationally about what you will accept and what you won’t. This will help you avoid inconsistency during times when your boundaries are tested.

Set your boundaries during periods of calm when you can think rationally about what you will accept and what you won’t. This will help you avoid inconsistency during times when your boundaries are tested.

To build strong, clear boundaries with your child, consider the following questions:

  • Are you willing to lie for your child?
  • Are you willing to sacrifice your needs for the wants of your child?
  • What level of substance use are you willing to accept, if any?
  • How do you expect to be treated by your child?

Are You Enabling Your Child? 

mother setting boundaries on daughter

Boundaries help to clarify the distinction between helping your child and enablingyour child. Enabling is a sign of poor boundaries where you begin taking on too much responsibility for the actions of your child. Enablers will:

  • Make excuses.
  • Blame themselves.
  • Focus on reducing short-term pain.
  • Unintentionally reinforce use.

Strong boundaries may increase conflict in the short-term, but they will show your child that you cannot be manipulated by their actions. With clear and appropriate boundaries set, the responsibility for your child’s action lies with them, which increases the likelihood of eventual willingness to seek treatment.

5. Practice Self-Care

Having strong guidelines and boundaries will aid in your ability to lower stress, but to achieve the desired results you must actively practice self-care.

Self-care is the act of making your needs a priority and is a valuable tool for parents of addicted children. As you attempt to care for your child’s needs during long periods of turmoil, your stress grows towards burnout. Increased stress can present as a number of physical and mental health conditions like:

  • Depression.
  • Anxiety.
  • Reduced immune system (making you more prone to illness).
  • Obesity.
  • Memory and attention problems.
  • Heart disease.
  • Cancer.
  • Diabetes.
  • Arthritis.

Tips to Better Care for Yourself

support group with hands in center of circle

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a list of ways to improve self-care that includes:

  • Asking for and accepting help.
  • Spending time doing activities you enjoy with people you like.
  • Caring for your mental and physical health.
  • Joining a support group.
  • Reducing stress in other areas of your life.
  • Practicing relaxation skills.

Caring for yourself will actually aid in your ability to care for your child, because if you are experiencing unwanted effects from stress, you will be less competent in decision-making, consistency, and encouragement. Practicing appropriate self-care also allows you to model desirable behaviors for your child. You can lead by example.

In some situations, you cannot maintain your own health if your child’s actions continue without change. More restrictive boundaries and guidelines may be needed to improve your well-being, with terminating the relationship being an option to be considered in extreme circumstances.

Drug Information and Education for Parents

When attempting to get your child into recovery from drug abuse, you need to be educated on addiction, the specific substance of abuse, and treatment options. If you lack the knowledge and expertise regarding addiction and your child’s drugs of abuse, you will not have the information necessary to assist them.

For example, someone abusing a stimulant substance will react in very different ways when they are under the influence compared to when they have ended a binge. Someone using a depressant substance will present very differently from someone under the influence of other drugs. By researching the signs and symptoms of the drug, you will be able to:

  • Note periods of use.
  • Note periods of abstinence.
  • Deliver appropriate consequences.
  • Reduce the risk of manipulation.

Another topic worthy of investigation is addiction itself. The way you view addiction will influence the way you view your child. The National Institute on Drug Abuse considers addiction to be a long-term condition marked by periods of relapse and recovery. In this way, it is not very different from other conditions like hypertension or diabetes. It also causes marked and predictable changes in the brain, meaning that drug use can be extremely difficult to stop for physiological reasons – it is not simply a moral failing. Realizing this enables you to have compassion for your child and helps reduce the stigma around your child’s addiction. De-stigmatizing your child’s addiction can raise her sense of self-worth and chances of maintaining long-term recovery.

DRUG ADDICTION : THE STATISTICS

Drug Addiction in Pakistan

Drug addiction has reached epidemic levels across the globe withapproximately 247 million drug users worldwide.1 In America, the problem is no better as over 10 percent of individuals 12 years of age and over have used an illicit drug in the past month in the United States.2 As a matter of fact, nearly 21 million Americans ages 12 and older had a substance use problem in 2015.3 United States use two-thirds of illegal drugs worldwideExcluding alcohol and tobacco, the top ten drugs used across the world were: cannabis, MDMA, cocaine, amphetamines, LSD, magic mushrooms, prescribed & non-prescribed opioid medication, nitrous oxide, ketamine and poppers.4 Nothing is off limits with 10 percent of drug users globally having purchased drugs online via the dark net. 5 percent of respondents said they did not consume drugs before accessing them through dark-net markets.5 Overdose deaths involving prescription opioids have quadrupled since 1999, and so have sales of these prescription drugs. From 1999 to 2015, more than 183,000 people have died in the U.S. from overdoses related to prescription opioids.6 Patterns such as this suggest that drug abuse in America is steadily and significantly on the rise.
Marijuana
Since its discovery thousands of years ago, marijuana use has steadily risen to the levels it is at now. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug with over 22.2 million people having used the drug in the past month according to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.7
Synthetic Drugs
Synthetic marijuana is now a major role player too, being second in line to naturally grown cannabis among high school seniors.8 Other synthetic drugs, such as bath salts, have grown quickly in popularity since first entering the European drug market in 2008 and making their way to the US a year or so later.
Cocaine
Cocaine is far more popular in foreign countries like Scotland and Brazil, but the drug still was used by over 5 percent of all individuals in the US between the ages of 18 and 25 in the past year. In addition, over 16 percent of people 26 and over in the United States have used cocaine in their lifetime.9
Heroin
Heroin is still most widely used in countries like Afghanistan where the substance is harvested from opium poppy pods grown there. In recent years, growing popularity for the drug in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States led to Baltimore, Maryland, being dubbed the heroin capital of America.10 Heroin and other opioids were to blame for approximately 1.3 million emergency room visits in 2014 according to a government report. The 2014 numbers reflect a 64 percent increase for inpatient care and a 99 percent jump for emergency room treatment compared to figures from 2005. 11
Prescription Drugs
Prescription painkillers are one of the most commonly abused substances with between 26.4 million and 36 million people abuse opioids worldwide. An estimated 2.1 million people in the United States suffering from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers. The United States accounts for almost 100 percent of the world total for the drug hydrocodone (Vicodin) and 81 percent for the oxycodone (Percocet).12 Abuse of these drugs has become increasingly common among suburbanites, likely due to their availability.
Hallucinogens and Stimulants
LSD is growing in popularity among young adults with close to 7 percent of 12th graders using LSD in their lifetime. Over 4 percent of 12th graders have used LSD in the past year.13 Inhalants are far easier to come across. This may explain why national surveys indicate that nearly 21.7 million Americans aged 12 and older have used inhalants at least once in their lives.14
>>> READ THIS NEXT: How to Motivate a Loved One to Get Help
Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can lead to both short-term and long-term health problems. Alcohol is also one of the major reasons for premature death. One in 10 deaths among working-age adults aged 20–64 years are due to excessive alcohol use.15 Excessive alcohol consumption is responsible for an average of 88,000 deaths each year.16
Here are some more facts to consider regarding the use of alcohol:
By age 15, about 33 percent of teens have had at least 1 drink.17
By age 18, about 60 percent of teens have had at least 1 drink.17
In 2015, 7.7 million young people ages 12–20 reported that they drank alcohol beyond “just a few sips” in the past month17
Alcohol use contributed to more than 200 diseases and injury-related health conditions, most notably DSM–IV alcohol dependence, liver cirrhosis, various forms of cancer, and injuries.17
About 1.3 million adults received treatment for AUD at a specialized facility in 2015.18 Nicotine and Alcohol 2010 statistics
Drug Addiction Treatment
All of these statistics and facts represent the choices of millions of people. There is no doubt that drug addiction is a very serious problem. But you personally can make the right choice right now. Whether you want help for yourself or your loved one, it’s time to reach out for professional help. At Michael’s House, our treatment facility is located in beautiful Palm Springs, California. Our facility is the breath of fresh air you’ve been looking for. We are a full-service program that provides interventions, detox, mental health care and addiction treatment. We truly care and will do all we can to help you leave treatment fully equipped to manage your health moving forward. If you or your loved one is addicted to drugs, please call Us.

How to Treat Drug Addiction in Pakistan

Motivation

Drug addiction is considered bad for many reasons and major among them all is that it destroys families. When a person starts drugs, for any reason, they don’t look through the boundaries. Each drug user can quit but it will need radical steps. Some drugs are easy to quit while others leave severe side effects. Once it is stopped for a while then it will be upon the person to go through that similar life cycle or leave it forever. There should be punishment only if there is a crime committed while being under the influence but if a person is going through any rough patch, it is better to help him because at the end of this darkest life, he will not have friends, families or even enemies.

Never trust a person who either sells drugs or use it. Even if he is your father, he will betray you. I have seen people leaving their kids just so they can get high.
Anonymous Dealer

If you know anyone who is going through drug addiction, it is important to help them by every mean possible because 90 percent of the times, they cannot make this decision as drugs ruin brain cells. Being violent towards them will only increase their urge. Most of the drug addicts keep using it so they can forget about the harsh realities of life. Even if they are willing to stop using it, people’s violent behavior towards them may not help at all in their decision to quit. So it is highly recommended to know the patient and start the treatment. We have scientific approach as well radical approach towards this quitting process. It may seem harsh or unfair but when we asked from an ex addict, he responded in a different way than science would have.

It is not easy to quit, tears and words will never make a user to quit that easy. Be tough, rough and stay firm during the process because it will be painful like a virus but at the end you will see fruits.
Anonymous Dealer

We have gathered two solutions, one according to the books and how science wants to resolve it. And second is a radical solution to this problem which was recommended by Anonymous ex-drug user and dealer. Either way, it is a painful and heart breaking process for the families who are suffering because of this. We hope our information will help you resolve this issue before its too late.

Drug treatment in pakistan

Common Treatment for Drug Addicts in Pakistan
Patient should be sent to rehab as they are qualified and experienced in addressing patients need. Based on scientific research the following key principles should be considered while carrying out the treatment:

Addiction is complicated but treatable. It affects brain function and behavior.
There is no universal treatment as each body reacts in different way.
People need to have readily available treatment.
Effective treatment addresses all of the patient’s needs, not just his or her drug use.
Staying in treatment long enough is critical for better recovery.
Counselling and other behavioral therapies like Narcotics Anonymous are the most commonly used treatment.
Medications are often an important part of treatment and required during withdrawals, especially when combined with behavioral therapies.
Treatment plan must be reviewed very often to suite patient’s need.
Treatment should address other possible mental disorders and their solutions.
Detoxification is only the first stage of treatment.
Treatment doesn’t need to be voluntary to be effective.
Drug use during treatment must be monitored continuously and reduced over the period of time.
Treatment programs should test patients for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases as continuous use of drugs might have lead them to suffer from those illnesses as well. In treatment centers or Rehabilitation centers, patients are taught about infectious diseases.
After withdrawal symptoms have faded away, it is important for patient to follow the basic principles:

Stop using drugs
Stay drug-free
Be productive in the family, at work and in society
Radical Approach For Drug Abuse Treatment
Radical approach doesn’t require rehabilitation centers or treatment plans. Some people just cant quit and even the families may not be able to afford rehabilitation centers. This treatment and approach is not tested by scientist as it is straight forward and harsh but according to an ex-dealer & ex-user, it will be the most effective one!

Don’t take drug problem as a small issue because it can change shape of society, family and culture. If they don’t quit for lacking will power then make them quit before it is too late.
Anonymous Dealer

According to an Ex-Dealer, following steps should be considered to make treatment work:

Add sedative and keep them asleep for 7 days or bit more.
Keep them locked for 7 days as they may get agitated and aggressive during detoxification “DETOX”.
Keep an eye on them and don’t let them out of sight.
For first 7 days, have a heart of lion, don’t believe their tears, their voices and put a stone on heart.
They will yell and scream, don’t let it effect your emotions. It is a test for you and the patient. You become weak then they will stay prey to addiction.
Take them away from individuals and society for few weeks till the withdrawal ends.
Delete their contacts and don’t let them use anything related to social media and communication.
Don’t hit them or curse them but treat them with love and care.
Don’t make them feel they are alone, keep reminding them that the family stands by them.
If you survive first two weeks of hell, heaven will surely wait for you at the corner.
Anonymous Addict

Once 2 weeks are passed in loneliness without any interference from outside, patients will starts to come back slowly. He will start thinking normal again. He will be apologetic, don’t ruin it, accept it. Acceptance is what they will be seeking, so accept new person. Keep them away from all the contacts for a good long month or more till they are able to understand what they had done wrong and how far they had come.

Radical process is harsh but you are saving life, so don’t be sad or feel bad during the process. It will end and peace will prevail.

Once the drugs are out of system, they will become normal. First few weeks will be tough and rough but don’t let emotions come in between. Withdrawal symptoms will not be easy to go through but they eventually end. After the treatment, keep an eye on them, don’t let them think the same way that had lead them to do drugs at first place. And most of all, keep them away from that circle because it will take only one more smoke of ICE or Heroin or any other drug and they will be back in problem. Help them, keep them away and appreciate what they have achieved.

What Is Drug Addiction?

Environment

Addiction is a disease that affects your brain and behavior. When you’re addicted to drugs, you can’t resist the urge to use them, no matter how much harm the drugs may cause.

Drug addiction isn’t about just heroin, cocaine, or other illegal drugs. You can get addicted to alcohol, nicotine, opioid painkillers, and other legal substances.

At first, you may choose to take a drug because you like the way it makes you feel. You may think you can control how much and how often you use it. But over time, drugs change how your brain works. These physical changes can last a long time. They make you lose self-control and can lead you to damaging behaviors.

Addiction vs. Abuse
Drug abuse is when you use legal or illegal substances in ways you shouldn’t. You might take more than the regular dose of pills or use someone else’s prescription. You may abuse drugs to feel good, ease stress, or avoid reality. But usually, you’re able to change your unhealthy habits or stop using altogether.

Addiction is when you can’t stop. Not when it puts your health in danger. Not when it causes financial, emotional, and other problems for you or your loved ones. That urge to get and use drugs can fill up every minute of the day, even if you want to quit.

Effect on Your Brain
Your brain is wired to make you want to repeat experiences that make you feel good. So you’re motivated to do them again and again.

The drugs that may be addictive target your brain’s reward system. They flood your brain with a chemical called dopamine. This triggers a feeling of intense pleasure. So you keep taking the drug to chase that high.

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