Childhood experiences can significantly shape how we think, feel, and behave throughout our lives. Growing up with a parent struggling with addiction can be challenging, as it may require the child to mature quickly, take on responsibilities, and lack positive role models. Research has shown that children of adults with substance abuse problems are more likely to develop addictions themselves and exhibit behavioral and emotional issues, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.

Difficulty trusting others or being vulnerable with them may stem from fears that they will not accept you or meet your emotional or other needs in a satisfactory way, whether in a romantic relationship or friendship.

You might feel the need to constantly be in control.
Growing up with a parent struggling with addiction can create insecurity and a need to control situations. While this is not always a problem, attempting to control things that you have no control over, like other people's problems or emotions, can become an issue.

Growing up with a parent struggling with addiction can lead to a range of difficult emotions, including anger, guilt, sadness, fear, and panic. These emotions may stem from a lack of presence or support from the parent, a sense of responsibility for their addiction, and the inability to have a healthy relationship with them. While these experiences can be challenging, there are steps you can take to work through them.

You could be struggling to grapple with a number of difficult emotions.

Dealing with emotions such as anger, guilt, sadness, fear, and panic can be difficult, particularly if you have experienced a lack of presence or support from a parent with an addiction, a sense of responsibility for their addiction, and difficulties in having a healthy relationship with them. However, there are steps you can take to move past these challenges.




1. Address the self-blame.

It is important to recognize that you did the best you could with the resources you had, rather than blaming yourself for negative outcomes. This will help to prevent additional emotional distress and recognize that you were not able to control your parent's decisions or choices, but only your own actions.

2. Be kinder to yourself.
Once you have acknowledged your past limitations, allow yourself time to heal from past pain by engaging in enjoyable activities, taking breaks, and being around people who bring you comfort and peace.

3. Recognize signs of codependency within yourself.
Codependency can involve excessively providing emotional support and care to a partner or others. This may be a learned behavior from childhood, but can be unhealthy and destructive if it involves losing oneself in the other person. It is important to be a caring friend or partner, but maintaining a sense of self is also crucial.

4. Consider joining a support group.
Support groups, such as Al-Anon for those affected by a loved one's drinking problem, can provide a sense of community with others facing similar issues. These groups offer a place to share fears and concerns and receive acceptance and support.

5. Seek help from a professional.
Talking to a therapist, who is objective and has expertise in these issues, can help you process and cope with the challenges you have faced. A therapist can assist you in acknowledging the impact of a parent's addiction on your life and work with you to find ways to heal from the associated pain.