Episode 29 – The Impact of Addiction on the Family
The topic at a glance
- Children usually cope better with an addicted family member when the problem is discussed openly and honestly.
- Meeting other people impacted by addiction can be a huge help for those caught up in this situation – there is a feeling of no longer being alone.
- People in recovery don’t ‘have a right’ to be forgiven by their family – this forgiveness needs to be earned.
Hope Mindful Compassion Show – Episode 29 – The Impact of Addiction on the Family
A conversation between Andrea and Paul Garrigan
In this episode of the podcast, Andrea chats about the other side of addiction. In rehab, the emphasis needs to be on helping the individual to escape drug abuse, but what can be done to heal the family also impacted by this addiction. Some of the topics covered in the show include:

- What was it like to grow up surrounded by addiction?
- What age were you when you became aware that addiction was a problem in your family?
- How did being around addiction impact your behavior as a child?
- Was there a sense of shame around the addiction problem?
- Did you get any support as a child?
- Do you recommend self-help groups for children impacted by addiction?
- What would you suggest for young people caught up in a similar situation?
- Does learning about addiction make it easier to deal with childhood trauma?
- Do people caught up in addiction have a right to be forgiven by their family?
- Is there enough usually enough support for the family of those returning from rehab?
- Are there any other resources you can recommend for family members impacted by addiction?
The book mentioned by Andrea near the end of the podcast is Daddy, Where Were You?: Healing for the Father-Deprived Daughter by Heather Harpham Kopp
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