HILLBILLY ELEGY:
A Depiction of the Impact of the Disease of Addiction on the Family and the Resilience that is Possible
The recent announcement of J.D. Vance as the Vice President candidate for the Republican Party has reignited interest in Hillbilly Elegy, both the book and its film adaptation. As of this writing, the movie is #5 on Netflix’s Top Ten Viewed Movies in the U.S. This powerful narrative provides a poignant exploration of family values, the impact of substance use disorders (SUD), and the transformative power of a caring adult in a child’s life.
Hillbilly Elegy paints a vivid picture of the struggles within a family grappling with intergenerational trauma and substance use disorder. The story revolves around J.D. Vance’s tumultuous upbringing in a dysfunctional family, marked by his mother’s addiction issues. Hillbilly Elegy does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of living with a parent struggling with substance use disorder. J.D.’s mother, Bev, battles opioid addiction, creating an unstable and often dangerous environment for her children. The film highlights the cyclical nature of addiction and trauma, emphasizing the need for intervention and support systems to break these cycles. Viewers learn about the grandfather’s alcoholism issues, the irrational and abusive behavior at times of the grandmother, and the perceived neglect felt then by the children, one of which has grown up to become J.D.’s mother. Without any services to support these children, this family is fractured by the impact of this disease. We see the progression of the disease carry on to the next generation as J.D.’s mother’s addiction worsens, affecting both J.D. and his sister who live in an environment without structure or safety. J.D. is ill-equipped to manage his circumstances without a healthy parent, becoming vulnerable to substance misuse himself.
Despite these challenges, the film underscores the resilience of family bonds and the pivotal role that a stable, loving figure can play in a child’s life. Even in families worn down by multiple aspects of trauma, there are strengths that fuel members of the family to persevere as they react to various challenges due to the disease, and an ongoing desire to improve their individual wellness and quality of life. Love is an essential fabric throughout the movie: between the grandparents despite separation, father and daughter, mother and daughter, and sister and brother. This movie portrays a beautiful example that love and addiction co-exist often in families, binding them together with an essential belief that things can -and will- get better. The movie also spotlights the loyalty that is often found in these families, because of these strong bonds. In this case, while boundaries may not always be healthy, the commitment to be there for each other and support each other as they endure one crisis after another portrays strong family unity.
The Power of One Caring Adult
One of the film’s most compelling themes is the impact of a single, caring adult in altering the course of a child’s life that has been impacted by parental addiction. For J.D., this person was his grandmother, “Mamaw,” who provided him with a sense of stability, love, and support. Mamaw’s unwavering belief in J.D.’s potential helped him navigate the chaos of his home life, ultimately guiding him towards a successful future. This narrative aligns with extensive research indicating that children who have at least one supportive adult in their lives are significantly more likely to overcome adversity and thrive. It’s scientific validation that hope for these children rests in the connection with caring adults who are consistent, available, and ensure these children are not alone.
Research estimates that more than 21 million children in the United States lives with a parent who misuses substances, with more than 2 million live with a parent who had a substance use disorder (SUD). These children are at a higher risk of experiencing chronic health issues such as cancer, heart disease or diabetes, as well as emotional, behavioral, and academic problems. They are also more likely to suffer from neglect or abuse and to develop substance use disorders themselves later in life. NACoA’s Impacted Kids provides a deeper overview of how parental addiction can affect children.
NACoA: A Beacon of Hope for Families in Distress
For 41 years, NACoA has been at the forefront of advocating for children living in homes where they are hurt by addiction. NACoA understands the unique challenges these children face and works tirelessly to provide resources, support, and a voice for them. By offering educational programs, training for professionals, and public awareness campaigns, NACoA strives to ensure that no child must navigate the hardships of parental addiction alone.
NACoA’s whole family, evidence-based, recovery program Celebrating Families! is uniquely designed to address SUDs in each of its 16 sessions, while educating families on important topics to improve healthy living. Families learn age-appropriately how to develop skills related to conflict identification and resolution; healthy communication; identification/expression of emotions and anger management; boundary setting; goal setting; and celebrating oneself and enjoying time with family. This program supports all members of the family, pregnant mothers, caretakers. It also aids in the reunification process should families be involved with child welfare and/or treatment court. NACoA’s program replaces risk factors contributing to the ongoing impact of addiction with protective factors that help prevent the progression of addiction in the family and nurture healthy living and wellness.
Hillbilly Elegy serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact that a loving, supportive adult can have on a child’s life. It also underscores the urgent need for organizations like NACoA, which dedicate themselves to supporting children affected by the disease of addiction. As we revisit the themes of this story, let us renew our commitment to providing safe, nurturing environments for all children; ensuring they have hope, and the opportunity to flourish, despite the challenges they may face with this chronic condition that overpowers their homelife.
Support NACoA’s mission by donating or advocating for policies that protect and uplift children in homes with substance use disorders. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless children, helping them to overcome their circumstances and achieve their full potential.
