How To Help Children And Youth Exposed To Drug/Alcohol Intoxicated Family Members
Without help, this exposure can make growing up very difficult and confusing. It can make living, learning and relationships very challenging throughout adult life. It is very hard on children & youth’s trust, faith, safety, confidence, self-worth and ability to succeed. Too often, this can lead to the children & youth’s growing into adults with the same challenges themselves. This exposure can lead to the child or youth’s being abused in many ways by unconscious, confused family members and friends. Adults who have not been helped with challenges in childhood often abuse drugs and alcohol.
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First, We Would Investigate |
Second, We Would Investigate |
For Long Term Support |
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On Our Own We Would Try: • Less or No TV, Movies, Video/Computer Games • Replace sodas, juices, sugars, fats, fast foods with water, veggies, whole grains, nuts, protein, fruit, slow • Bedtime Stories and Chats • Wholesome Pleasures • Back Rubs and Foot Massages • Long Walks and Hikes • Nature • Pets |
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For Parents: • Get the child or youth away from intoxicated family members as fast as possible. • People who are intoxicated are unconscious and abuse children & youth in all kinds of ways without knowing it. • Tell the child or youth that the challenge is not their fault. • Attend 12 step meetings whenever possible. • Get the consciousness of sobriety and bring it into the home. • Attend 12 step family social events. • Make family life as safe and predictable as possible. • Have regular meals. • Make sure you get help yourself. • Look at what you need to do to support the child or youth. • Get help with the painful memories of your own childhood from good therapists. |
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Check out: www.traumasoma.com/index.shtml (very technical); www.acestudy.org/. |