Who does addiction hurt?
You would think that using drugs and alcohol is purely a personal choice. You may not be doing the healthiest thing for yourself, you understand, but at least no one else is affected by your pleasure trip.
And maybe in the beginning that was the truth. But when that chase for pleasure from drugs or alcohol becomes more severe, it begins taking over your life.
Pretty soon you begin to see the negative affects on your health, your job, your legal record, your finances and your reputation. Your life becomes less and less about your spouse, your children, your family or your best friend and more about using.
Addiction is devastating. It slowly hijacks your soul, whether you recognize it or not. But, do you know how much it hurts those around you? And, who your addiction hurts the most?
Your kids
“The silent and the invisible—the children” are those that are hurt the most, says Jerry Moe, the National Director of Betty Ford Children’s Programs.
Children are hurt because they love you and trust you, but what do you offer them in return?
Instability.
Conflict.
Lies.
Inconsistencies.
Confusion.
Let downs.
Studies show that children whose parents abuse alcohol and drugs are three times more likely to be abused and four times more likely to be neglected than other children. Maybe your substance abuse isn’t a part of the 70% that abuses or neglects a child or the 55% that cause family violence, but either way, your addiction is negatively impacting their lives.
Break the Cycle of Addiction
The long-term effects of your substance abuse is even scarier. Children of parents who struggle with addiction are two to four times more likely to abuse substances themselves. They not only inherit the biological predisposition for addictive tendencies, but also grow up in an environment filled with stress, trauma and pain, adding to their likelihood for mental, emotional and psychological problems.
Is this the legacy you want to pass on to your children?
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Break the cycle of addiction today.
At Duffy’s we’re a family business for a family problem. We’re here to give hope and healing for both you and your children. Call us today 707.348.4874