Albuquerque Program Offers Hope for Children of Addicted Parents

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A personal essay details the experience of a young person growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a parent struggling with addiction. The story underscores the need for increased awareness and support for families affected by parental substance use, as children often internalize the chaos and shame, creating a culture of silence. However, the narrative also reveals the power of connection, as the protagonist found solace and a sense of purpose in a relationship with a peer at a children's shelter. The story highlights Albuquerque's history of proactive substance abuse prevention programs and the role of organizations like Duke City Recovery Toolbox in providing family therapy to address the complex dynamics of addiction.

Why it matters

Children of addicted parents are at increased risk of medical problems, psychosocial issues, and developing substance use disorders themselves. This story highlights the critical, often unspoken truth that addiction doesn't just impact the individual struggling with substance use, it fundamentally alters the lives of everyone around them, especially children. By sharing this personal account, the essay underscores the need for greater awareness and support for families affected by parental substance use.

The details

The personal essay details the experience of a young person growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a parent struggling with addiction. The protagonist often internalized the chaos and shame, creating a culture of silence, as children frequently avoid discussing their parents, even when their behavior is demonstrably harmful. However, the story reveals the power of connection, as the protagonist found solace and a sense of purpose in a relationship with a peer, Omar, at a children's shelter. Their shared experience fostered a bond that allowed them to envision a different future, highlighting the importance of peer support and mentorship for children navigating difficult circumstances.

• In 1983, Harrison Middle School in Albuquerque implemented the ALL STAR program, which emphasized collaboration between students, teachers, school administrators, and parents and resulted in documented decreases in substance use among students.

What’s next

Organizations like Duke City Recovery Toolbox continue to offer family therapy and support services to help families affected by addiction in the Albuquerque community.