Impact on Relationships with Children
According to the Phoenix House Center on Addiction and the Family children endure suffering, confusion and pain in their homes. However, despite the situation children will often blame themselves for their parent’s substance abuse believing that if they didn’t fight or kept their rooms clean then their parents wouldn’t use drugs. Children are frightened, may witness violence and may also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder with sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression that are associated with victims of crimes. Children in homes where there is reduced stability are also at a higher risk for sexual abuse. Normal relationship lines are blurred and communication has broken down, leading to behavior that would not normally be allowed.