Children who have parents, siblings or other family members who abuse alcohol or other substances are often the forgotten victims. Unpredictable behavior, lack of appropriate care and no structure to a home life are often the result of substance abuse. For a child, this can be scary, painful and lead to many problems in the future. Many children can be exposed to violence, abuse, neglect, financial problems and even malnourishment at a young age if family members are addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Children may face separation, homelessness, divorce and abandonment. Their parent may be incarcerated or be dead as a result of their substance abuse problems. These issues can all have a long-lasting negative affect on a child’s development and future life choices. They themselves may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to understand or cope with their feelings or they may feel that a substance abusing life is what they are destined for.