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Books on Help for Parents With Children Who Have Addictions

Jun 15, 2011 | By Sheena Ingle
Books on Help for Parents With Children Who Have Addictions
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If exposed to addictive substances or activities, children can develop an addiction just as easily as adults. In fact, because of immaturity, children and teenagers may exercise less will power than adults in resisting temptation. Children and teens can become dependent on alcohol, drugs, cigarettes and any other addictive medium, causing their parents or guardians deep anguish and concern. Experts have written various books aimed at helping, encouraging and advising parents of addicted children.

"Helping Your Chemically Dependent Teenager Recover"

"Helping Your Chemically Dependent Teenager Recover: A Guide for Parents and Other Concerned Adults," was written in 1991 by Peter R. Cohen, M.D. This 139 page book offers guidance and support for parents of an alcohol or drug-addicted child, according to an excerpt published on the D.C. Public Library Online Catalog. The excerpt states that Dr. Cohen provides parents with a step-by-step guide on how to help their teenager recover from addiction. The book also acknowledges the fact that parents of an addicted child will need extensive healing, and details the parental recovery process. "Helping Your Chemically Dependent Teenager Recover" walks parents through what Dr. Cohen calls the four stages of recovery, which are crisis control, stability and structure, consistency and balance and attachment.

"Preventing Addiction"

John C. Fleming M.D. wrote "Preventing Addiction: What Parents Must Know to Immunize Their Kids Against Drug and Alcohol Addiction" in 2007. Wayne L. Duboise, B.A. Th.M., a minister and counselor, wrote the book's foreword describing the information and assistance this book offers parents. Dr. Fleming focuses his writing on the complexities of the human brain and encourages parents to gain understanding of how addictive substances affect the brains pleasure center. "Preventing Addiction" is aimed at educating parents of non-addicted children about the dangers of early exposure to addictive substances.

"Stay Close"

Libby Cataldi penned "Stay Close: A Mother's Story of Her Son's Addiction" in 2009. This book revolves around her own son's battle with addictions to alcohol and various drugs. According to the information about the book provided by MacMillan Academic, Libby Cataldi's son became addicted to alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, ketamine, crystal meth and heroin. Cataldi transparently tells the story of how her son's substance dependency affected his relationships with others. She speaks of how she confronted his addictions while still providing him with love and support. Libby Cataldi has a doctorate in education and details her difficulty with coming to terms with the fact that her child was abusing and addicted to drugs and alcohol. Her book assures parents experiencing similar ordeals that healing is possible.

"Slaying the Addiction Monster"

Another book written by the parent of a drug-addicted child is "Slaying the Addiction Monster: An All-Inclusive Look at Drug Addiction in America Today." Author Sheryl Letzgus McGinnis wrote this book in 2008. It is one of three books she has written about substance dependency since losing her own son to drug addiction. According to Book Locker, "Slaying the Addiction Monster" provides a realistic view of drug addicted teens in America. Letzgus stresses that drug addicts have no stereotypical, dirty appearance as is often portrayed on television, and that any teenager, regardless of their upbringing, can become dependent on drugs. This book tells the stories of various parents of drug-addicted children and urges preventing kids from ever experimenting with drugs.

References

Article reviewed by M. Gladden Last updated on: Jun 15, 2011

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