Family Therapist (South London)
There are now around 1.5m children living with a parent or parents who are abusing drink and /or drugs.
Many of these children are left to cope in very unstable family environments. Family dynamics may also create or worsen the problem of addiction.
It is well known that these children are at increased risk of developing a substance abuse problem of their own. They are also more likely to have higher levels of behavioural problems, school related problems and emotional disturbances.
Listening to children and helping them to understand that they are not alone is essential to break the cycle.
Children who cope best are those who have high levels of wider family support, control and cohesion. Families who are best able to maintain "rituals" such as birthdays, holiday celebrations and family mealtimes are less likely to transmit substance abuse problems to the next generation.
Our family therapist, Dr Jenny Corless, is working within the main South London substance misuse services, developing non-judgemental counselling for families of alcoholics and drug users, and helping to foster protective factors such as self-esteem and social competence in children.