Children of addicted parents at higher risk

Children of drug and/or alcohol addicted parents are the highest risk group among children to become alcohol and drug abusers later in life, yet few treatment programs and preventive initiatives target this population.

Coalitions like the local Clearwater Substance Abuse Workgroup (CSAW) play a major role in raising awareness about this issue.

Children of Alcoholics Week, Feb. 12-18, helps to break through the barriers of isolation and silence about the needs of children of alcoholic parents. This year’s theme is "A Celebration of Hope and Healing".

Today, one in four children live in homes with alcohol abuse or alcoholism. These young people are at increased risk of a range of problems, including physical illness, emotional disturbances, behavior problems, lower educational performance and susceptibility to alcoholism or other addiction later in life.

For more information you can contact Clearwater Substance Abuse Workgroup by emailing Cindy Chaney at: csawcindy@cebridge.net.