Addiction and co-dependency in families are all too common. The Co-dependent becomes the enabler in the relationship in support of the addict. Co-dependency is a name given to a person engaging in a dysfunctional, one-sided relationship that relies on the other person to meet their own emotional needs or for boosting their own self-esteem.
The According to Raising Children’s Network drug and alcohol abuse can affect a person’s ability to parent when they’re under the influence. Children might suffer neglect, physical or psychological harm and being raised in such an environment can seriously affect a child’s growth and development.
How does alcoholism and drug addiction affect families generationally?
In a rich or poor family, drug & alcohol abuse can become the legacy that we leave our children if we don’t take steps to bring it to an end. Children are known to copy their parent’s behaviour when it becomes the world they know and learn to accept. Those learnt behaviours can be passed on to their children and their children’s children and so on through generations to come.
Freedom from addiction and change is possible.
There are ways to stop the vicious cycle. Start by gaining an understanding of the truth about drugs alcohol abuse & seek the help of your family Doctor and/or a professional counsellor to learn new ways to cope.
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
What can we do to get help?
- Educate ourselves about the real dangers of Drug and Alcohol use – The Australian Government has an informative website on Alcohol and Drug Use.
- Find out what resources are available to you locally through your Family Doctor and Local Counsellor & learn healthier ways to deal with life – Search for a counsellor near you: www.theaca.net.au
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11
One method used to keep ourselves occupied when overcoming addiction is distraction. Read about ways we can use to distract ourselves here: Distracting yourself from an Addiction
In an excerpt from his book, Gerald Corey talks about how addictions affect the relationship we have with ourselves and the ones we have with others.
“If we are unable to tolerate ourselves when we are alone, how can we expect anyone else to be enriched by our company? Before we can have a solid relationship with another, we must have a relationship with ourselves. We are challenged to learn to listen to ourselves. We have to be able to stand alone before we can truly stand beside another.” ― Gerald Corey, Theory and Practice of Counselling and Psychotherapy
Family Drug Support
Family Drug Support provides information, advice and support to families and friends who are coping with the illicit drug use of someone close to them.
Phone: 1300 368 186 Hours: 24 hours, 7 days
Call lifeline on 13 11 14
Contact Police or Ambulance in an Emergency: Dial 000
(if your life or someone elses is in danger )
Sandra Ciminelli
Cred.Couns. Dip.(Christian)
Sources:
Raising Children’s Network – Parenting As A Drug User: http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/parenting_as_a_drug_user.html
Australian Government: http://www.australia.gov.au/topics/health-and-safety/drug-and-alcohol-use
Bible Gateway: www.biblegateway.com
Bible Hub: http://biblehub.com/john/8-32.htm
Have you thought about becoming a qualified counsellor? It’s a great opportunity to learn how you can extend God's love and grace to the hurting out in the community.
For those who would like to enrol in aifc’s accredited Christian counselling courses we have two intakes per year for courses commencing around the following months:
Enrolment Season - opens approximately 2 months prior to our courses commencing. Enrol online here during our enrolment season.
We also offer two modes of study:
A Master of Counselling course was introduced in 2018.