From February 12th to 18th of 2023, a week-long campaign is being held by the National Association for Children of Alcoholics. This week serves as a reminder of the plight of kids living with one or more parents with alcoholism. The aim of Children of Alcoholic Parents Awareness Week is to promote awareness, healing, and recovery from the traumatic experiences of familial addiction. Learn more about this crucial time with the Stuart, Florida, Banyan Treatment Center.
The History of Children of Alcoholics Week
1983 saw the establishment of the National Association for Children of Addiction, or NACoA, responsible for establishing this holiday. The first Children of alcoholics week was launched in 2009 and has since migrated to be recognized in several countries around the world.1 With that in mind, the issue of children with alcoholic parents was first acknowledged in 1955 by Alcoholics Anonymous. This focus was intensified by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and Al-Anon in 1979.
This week focuses on shining a light on the struggles faced by children of addicts. It can look different for everyone, as addiction is not a one size fits all experience. The young people who grapple with the addiction of their parents can exhibit a variety of behaviors and thought patterns which can either be alleviated or exacerbated by whether their support system is substantial enough. If an adult that you care about is struggling, Banyan offers Florida addiction treatment for alcoholism that can help them turn their life around.
The Impact of Parental Addiction
During Children of Alcoholic Parents Awareness Week, one goal is to spread awareness of the devastating consequences faced by some of our most vulnerable. While some minors may have an additional support system of adults to help them face these challenges, there is still a staggering number of children who not only have to deal with this alone but may not even understand that help is out there. These vulnerable kids and teens may continue to struggle with the aftereffects of their parent’s disease well into their adulthood.
That is why organizations like Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) exist, ensuring that these individuals can obtain anonymous 12-step programming that can help them heal from the impact of their parent’s alcoholism.
Other Ways to Observe This Week
There are many effective ways to make the most of this campaign. First, having a conversation about this topic is crucial to spreading the awareness necessary. Many children, especially those who are younger, may feel not only fear and hurt but confusion as well. Helping them to identify the situation for what it is, presented to them in an age-appropriate manner, can give them a significant amount of agency in a scenario that can make them feel powerless.
Next, consider donating to a charity organization designed to aid kids in need. It is these children struggle, especially if one or both of their parents are not fit to care for them. Donations to reputable organizations can foster support for those who need it most.
Finally, consider counseling if you have been affected. For adults over the age of 18, Banyan Stuart offers Florida addiction therapy for those who struggle with their own dependency, as well as ample family support programs to aid their loved ones through the recovery process.
To learn more information about these programs, call Banyan Treatment Center Stuart at 888-280-4763 and speak with an intake specialist today.
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