Substance abuse not only affects the abuser, but also those closest to them. Children of parents who struggle with opioid addiction can be the most susceptible to addiction later on.
The effects can be drastic, but first let’s look at what opioid addiction really means.
An Overview on Opioid Addiction
Almost 130 people die from an opioid overdose each day in the United States.
Opioids are used to treat pain, usually prescribed by doctors for chronic pain or temporary discomfort – either moderate or severe. Some obtain opioids and use them illicitly as well - such as heroin or opium.
Opioids work to activate “opioid receptors” in the body, making the brain unable to perceive pain and creating feelings of relaxation or pleasure. For this reason, many people who were originally prescribed opioids to relieve pain become addicted to the sensation and cannot stop using the substance – sometimes even exceeding their correct dosage.
Due to escalating opioid use, these overdoses have been termed an “epidemic” and is also referred to as the “Opioid Crisis” today. This is a serious issue that has been getting worse over the past few decades. However, there are plenty of drug addiction programs that have become available to stop this crisis.
Children of Opioid Addicts
Did you know that children with a direct family member who struggles with substance abuse are more likely to develop an opioid addiction later on?
Children of opioid addicted parents are a vulnerable population. They struggle not only with the increased risk of addiction, but all of the side effects of their parents’ usage as well.
Some of the effects on children include:
- Inability of parents to care for children, impaired judgement
- Children have poor emotional, academic and social skills
- Increased risk of abuse in the home
- Child neglect
- Sense of acceptability in drug use – leading to addiction later on
In addition to these, the statistics on children from opioid addicted parents are shocking as well.
About a third of mothers who have struggled with opioid addiction have had their child removed from the home. Additionally, the overdose rate among adolescents has nearly doubled since 1999.
These statistics show how much a parent can influence their child’s behavior. Parents who use opioids can take a negative toll on their child’s wellbeing. This can be prevented with professional help before it’s too late.
Seeking Help
Opioid addiction is serious, but there is help out there.
The first step in seeking the right treatment is realizing the problem. Doing your research and finding different options can set you up for success. In fact, reading this is a great place to begin.
First, do some research to find the best rehab for your situation. There are plenty available and some may be closer to home than you think.
If you’re worried about the cost, your insurance company may be able to help you out. Search something like “Cigna rehab” online to find what your insurance offers.
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If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, The Hope House can help. Personalized care with dedication to long-term sobriety can bring peace of mind and a positive outlook.
Start your journey to recovery today, make a change for the benefit of your children.
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