If a child becomes addicted to drugs at 13 years old, who or what do you blame?  Do you blame the television and media for displaying too many harsh graphics or commercials?  Do you blame the teachers at school for not living up to their job description of being “parents to children in the absence of the parents”? Or do you blame the parents for not being more proactive?

There are many reasons for why people become entrenched in drug and alcohol abuse, and for many this abuse is learned and practiced from a young age.  The child who sees his father come home from work and pick up the bottle of liquor may think that the stress his father feels is somehow linked to him.  For others who view this situation, they may feel that since their father is drinking, it makes it that much more ‘ok’ if they follow suit.

The bottom line is that children need stability and guidance if they are ever to grow into stable, responsible adults.  In a broken home where there is drug and alcohol abuse or some other sort of physical or emotional abuse, it can really delay or deter a child from making future mistakes with his or her own life regarding drug and alcohol abuse.  Parents need to accept responsbility for their actions and seek help for their drug or alcohol problem.  In doing so, it shows their children that while it is human to err, you don’t have to live in the shadow of that mistake forever.

Be proactive.  The choice is yours.  Sobriety is possible, and your children are watching you.