LibraryScenariosWhen children take protective action against a parent's active addiction
Scenario

When children take protective action against a parent's active addiction

My seventeen-year-old found my stash yesterday and flushed it down the toilet without saying a word and I don't know if I'm proud or heartbroken

Rabia
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Role reversals in families affected by addiction force children into adult responsibilities that violate natural developmental hierarchies.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Addiction and parenting?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.