When a teenager has to live with the reality of their parent(s) drugs abuse, many challenges arise. Teens are faced with questions and problems that they should not have to deal with. In many cases where a parent is a drug addict, abuse is present. In other cases, the parent abusing is the only parent.
Whatever the situation, living with the reality of parental drug abuse is very demanding, demeaning, and difficult. Often the teenager is filled with shame of their parent’s actions. The teen feels worthless and hopeless. Their school performance (grades), relationships, and their own decision-making are affected in a very real and negative way.