If your family is impacted by a member with a substance abuse issue, you need to know what parenting services and related resources are available to you. Substance abuse--whether of alcohol or drugs--impacts the entire family unit, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Consequently, all family members are best served by accessing appropriate support services, including the parents of a substance abuser.
Types
Parenting services for families dealing with a member abusing mind-altering substances come in different forms, according to "Impact of Substance Abuse on Children and Families" by Shulamith Lala Ashenberg Straussner and Christine Huff Fewell. These services include individual therapy, family counseling and educational programs. The types of programs accessed depends on the specific needs of the parents.
Function
The function of parenting services for families affected by substance abuse is to provide parents the information and emotional support necessary to effectively manage and deal with a child actively abusing mind-altering substances or one who is involved in a recovery program.
Features
The specific features of these parenting services depend on the unique circumstances of the family with a substance abuser. The features of these services can include everything from long-term programs that extend over weeks or even months to onetime sessions designed to address a specific issue. Different types of professionals provide services, including educators, therapists, counselors and doctors.
Considerations
Different considerations come into play in determining what types of parenting services a family requires. These considerations include everything from the type of substance abused, the length of time of the substance abuse and the age of the abuser. Another consideration is the overall family dynamic. What this means is that parenting services depend on the relationships between the family members and whether there is any evidence of abuse or neglect, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Benefits
The benefits of engaging parenting services include giving the substance abuser a better chance of overcoming the problem and remaining sober. In addition, parenting services better ensure that the parents are able to work through the situation in a more emotionally and psychologically balanced manner.
References
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Prevention Programs for Families Affected by Substance Abuse
- "Impact of Substance Abuse on Children And Families"; Shulamith Lala Ashenberg Straussner & Christine Huff Fewell; 2006
