Question

Children can be greatly impacted by addiction in a family. What are at least three ways in which they can be impacted? ​

Provide short answers of 100-150 words for the following question. Do not exceed 200 words for your response. Include a minimum of one scholarly resource in addition to the course textbook. ​

Answer 1

Reilly (1992) described several characteristic patterns of interaction found in families with either parent abusing alcohol or drugs member. These can have a severe impact on the child's well being and include the following:
1. Negativism: The communication between the addicted parent and child is negative, occuring primarily in the form of complaints and criticism. Positive behaviors maybe ignored and creating crisis maybe the only way for the child to receive attention.
2. Inconsistency: The rules set by parents are arbitrary and erratic, and its enforcement is inconsistent. This leads to confusion among children with respect to what behaviours and actions are acceptable and what are not.
3. Self‐medication: A parent or child may start or increase using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. This is done because they maybe unable to sufficiently manage and deal with distressing thoughts or feelings, such as anxiety or depression.

References:
Olsen L. Services for substance abuse‐affected families: The Project Connect experience. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal. 1995;12(3):183–196.
Reilly, D.M. Drug‐abusing families: Intrafamilial dynamics and brief triphasic treatment. In: Kaufman, E., and Kaufmann, P., eds. Family Therapy of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. 2d ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1992. pp. 105–119.