Signs and Symptoms of Parental Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Article written by Chloe Nicosia

Substance abuse is a major problem that affects not only the people who abuse drugs and alcohol but also their kids. This is particularly true for teens. A teenager whose parents have a problem with substance abuse or dependency might find themselves needing to take on the role of caretaker for themselves, their siblings, or even their parent. They may experience feelings of guilt, fearing that they are somehow the cause of their parent’s addiction. Or they might be the victims of physical or psychological abuse, which can cause feelings of insecurity, fear, and anger that linger and have a lifelong impact. But although it may be difficult, frightening, lonely, and even embarrassing to have a parent who has a problem with drug and alcohol abuse, if you’re in this situation, it’s important to seek help, both for yourself and for your parent. How can you tell if your parent or parents have a substance abuse problem? It’s important to recognize the signs to look out for and the effects that addiction can have on the addict and their loved ones.

Many problems that come with substance abuse can impact the whole family. For instance, financial issues may arise due to a parent’s need for increasing amounts of drugs or alcohol. As their addiction gets worse, it can also affect their performance on the job, which may lead to termination of their employment or the collapse of their business, hurting the whole household’s finances. Substance abuse also increases the risk of dangerous, violent, and criminal activity, including driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Drug and alcohol abuse is a physiological problem that causes changes in the brain, which makes recovery more difficult. The changes in the brain result in the body developing a tolerance for the substance, meaning that the addict will need more of it in order to achieve the same effect. Eventually, abuse can develop into a physical dependency, and at this point, stopping results in potentially dangerous bouts of withdrawal.

Parents who suffer from addiction-related problems often show signs that you might be able to pick up on if you know what to look for. Behavioral signs include not showing up for work, sudden financial problems, and legal troubles related to substance use. Physical signs might include sudden changes in weight or appetite, bloodshot eyes, unusual changes in pupil size, slurred speech, or even body odors. Psychological signs of substance abuse include paranoia, a sudden loss of stamina or extreme increase in energy, irrational bursts of anger, and unexplained changes in personality.

• Alcohol Awareness: Alcoholism: Click this link for information about alcohol addiction, which includes a questionnaire that can help you determine whether you or someone you love has a problem with alcohol abuse.
• Definition of Alcoholism: Alcoholism is a disease that gets worse over time. Mount Holyoke University explains here why it is both chronic and progressive in nature, and it talks about why the definition of alcoholism excludes physical addiction.
• Warning Signs of Drug Abuse: Common warning signs of drug abuse are the subject of this article by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
• Signs and Symptoms (PDF): Drug abuse is a problem that is hard to hide. Click this link for a guide that explains how to tell when someone has an issue with drug use.
• Harvard Medical School: Alcohol Abuse: Harvard Health Publications provides an article on their website about alcohol abuse and how it affects the body, how to tell when someone has an alcohol problem, how to treat it, and more.
• Warning Signs of Drug Abuse and Addiction: Click this link to see a page about detecting alcohol abuse and addiction. It covers the physical, behavioral and psychological indicators of drug use and addiction as well as signs related to specific drugs.
• Drug Abuse and Addiction: Visit the MedicineNet website to learn about the warning signs of a drug use disorder.
• Alcoholism: In-Depth Report: Learn about levels of drinking, from moderate to heavy, the causes of alcohol abuse, risk factors, problems that it causes, how to know when someone has an alcohol problem, treatment options, and more on this page.
• Alcoholism: Discover the signs, risk factors, prevention, treatments, and potential dangers associated with alcohol abuse and addiction.
• Alcoholism Fact Sheet (PDF): Go here to read a one-page article about alcoholism.
• Your Health: Alcohol Use Disorder: Visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism website for an explanation of alcohol abuse and addiction and how to determine whether you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol.
• The Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism: Find a guide to detecting signs of alcohol addiction and learn about treatment options here.
• Understanding Alcohol Use Disorders and Their Treatment: The American Psychological Association looks at about how to know when a person’s drinking has become a problem here.
• Alcohol Use Disorder: Learn about alcohol use disorder by visiting this page on the Mayo Clinic website.
• Understanding Alcoholism: Teens can read about alcoholism and the four common symptoms that are associated with the disease by visiting this page.
• Parents With Addictions: Visit the SafeTeens website to learn about how to cope with parents who have a substance abuse problem.
• Have a Parent Who Drinks Too Much? The National Association for Children of Addiction provides information about alcoholism and how you can find support here.
• Drug Abuse and Addiction: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction: Learn about the warning signs of drug use and addiction in this article.
• Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction (PDF): Teens who are living with a parent who is on drugs can learn all about drug abuse and addiction by reading this document, which features information on drugs and the brain, addiction and health, and treatment and recovery.
• Understanding Drug Use and Addiction: It’s not always clear why someone starts using drugs or becomes dependent on them. The National Institute on Drug Abuse offers some explanations as to why it happens.
• Understanding Addiction: The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence provides information about how people become addicted to drugs on this page.
• Drug Abuse, Addiction, and the Brain: Addiction to drugs is a problem caused by changes in the brain. This article by WebMD explains how drugs affect the brain and cause dependency issues.
• Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction (PDF): Click this link to learn some drug addiction facts.
• Abuse vs. Dependence: Drug abuse and addiction are not the same thing, although one often leads to the other. This article explains the difference between the two.
• Coping With an Alcoholic Parent: Living with a parent who is addicted to alcohol can be a traumatic experience. TeensHealth offers advice to readers on how to cope with one’s feelings and get support when confronted with such a situation.
• Coping With an Alcoholic Parent: Having an alcoholic for a parent can be a traumatic experience. Get tips on what teenagers can do to find safe environments and end the cycle of abuse here.
• Coping When You Have an Alcoholic Parent: Go here to read an article by Brenner Children’s Hospital about how children can cope with a parent who is addicted to alcohol.
• Children of Alcoholics: It’s Not Your Fault (PDF): Children whose parents abuse or are dependent on alcohol may feel alone or believe that they’re the cause of their parent’s alcohol problems. This article explains why children should not believe this and where to go for support.
• When a Parent Uses: Up to 25 percent of minors have family members with a drug or alcohol problem. This article provides answers to frequently asked questions by children whose parents have issues with substance abuse.
• Substance Use Disorder: Medline Plus provides information about the problem of substance abuse here.