Helping Children Cope With a Loved One’s Addiction

The realities of addiction can be difficult for adults to accept. So, how can a child be expected to understand such a situation? Author Linda Verst notes addiction is called a “family disease” with good reason, eventually the impact of an individual’s addiction will affect even the youngest family members. In this CareNote, Verst offers support for adults tasked with caring for children in the face of a loved one’s addiction. Helpful sections include: “Let Go of Things You Cannot Change,” “Change What You Can,” “Share Age Appropriate Information,” “Specific Tips on Sharing Difficult Information,” and “Make the Most of Research on Prevention.”

By Linda Verst