DEALING WITH THE SUBSTANCE ABUSING PARENT

As a kinship caregiver, you are a special person for the substance abusing bio-parent.  Whether you are the grandparent or other relative, you are the person the bio-parent relies on to love and nurture their children. You are also likely to be one of the people the bio-parent turns to in times of trouble. This means that the addict may well play upon your sympathies and concern. She may make you feel as if the addiction is your fault, rather than her own. She may make you blame yourself, and feel guilty. She may ask you to take her in when she is cold and hungry, and may even tell you that if you don’t she will starve, freeze, or be in grave danger.

Dealing with a substance abuser is not easy, and the best way to face the challenges is to be prepared ahead of time.

Click on the sections below to learn more about how you can deal with the active substance abusing parent in your child’s life: