New York, NY 3/3/2010 4:41:19 AM
News / Education

Drug Addiction Affects Everyone, Including Children

 

Many people may feel, erroneously, that drug addiction is just another one in a series of victimless crimes. After all, the person suffering from the drug addiction got herself into this situation, didn’t she? The fact is that drug addiction is not a victimless crime; it affects everyone who has any sort of contact with the person. That is why addiction recovery is so important.


Just like drug addiction, addiction recovery affects both the user and those with whom she interacts on a daily basis. However, once she has completed drug addiction treatment and is well on the road to recovery, then others around her can also begin to heal. For this reason, addiction recovery is more than just a person entering a drug addiction treatment program and going through the process herself. Family members and loved ones also play a part.


During drug addiction treatment, both the person being treated and family members are involved in therapy sessions. These may include individual sessions at first, attended only by the one who initially had the drug addiction, then later expanded to include others in the family.


Children are affected by drug addiction, sometimes more so than adults. Those conducting drug addiction treatment programs at a reputable clinic recognize this, and work to include children, but younger ones as well as adolescents, in the addiction recovery process.


Even if they do not live at home, adult children may often be affected, too, particularly if they had to step in and help with younger siblings. Having to temporarily set aside their own lives may be cause for additional stress. A good drug addiction treatment program can address these issues, also, providing an outlet for the feelings of resentment and anger that may be present.


By calling 1-800-559-9503 or visiting our website at http://www.centerforaddiction.org/, families can learn about programs that include children, both those still in the home and those who live elsewhere.