Here are some steps to help you process feelings of abandonment, develop resilience, and self-compassion along the way.

1. Acknowledge and Accept Your Feelings
The first step toward healing is recognizing and validating your feelings. Abandonment, anger, sadness, and confusion are natural reactions when a parent is unable to meet your emotional needs. It is OK to admit that you are feeling this way. You may feel like you’re constantly seeking their attention or hoping they’ll change, only to feel disappointed time and again. It’s also okay to feel hurt by this; acknowledging feelings instead of suppressing them can be very freeing. Allow yourself to feel without judgment—remember, your feelings are a valid response to a difficult situation.

2. Understand Addiction as a Disease
Understanding that addiction, otherwise referred to as substance use disorders, is a medical condition rather than a choice can help you shift your perspective. There are many wonderful resources to learn more about the disease, such as Addiction Policy Forum’s Addiction Education. While this doesn’t take away the hurt, it can help separate the person from their actions. Addiction changes the brain and often limits a person’s capacity to make thoughtful, healthy choices. This often changes how a person behaves, affecting their ability to prioritize relationships or responsibilities. Knowing this may make it easier to see that their struggles are not a reflection of your worth, but rather symptoms of a serious illness. This shift can reduce feelings of self-blame and help you approach the situation with more compassion for yourself and ideally, and perhaps eventually, your parent.

3. Reach Out to Others for Support
Feeling abandoned can lead to isolation, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to face these feelings alone. Connecting with friends, other family members, or a support group can offer comfort and a sense of community. Organizations like NACoA (National Association for Children of Addiction) provide resources and support specifically for young people and adults impacted by parental substance use. In group settings, you can meet others who understand your experiences, which can help reduce feelings of isolation and give you a safe space to express yourself.

Some Options that can be Helpful Include:

• NACoA’s Education and Discussion Group
• Al-Anon
   Info for newcomers
• ACA – Adult Children of Alcoholics
   Info for newcomers

4. Focus on Self-Care and Boundaries
Caring for your emotional well-being is crucial when dealing with feelings of abandonment. Engage in activities that bring you peace and joy, whether it’s art, sports, journaling, or simply spending time in nature. These outlets can help you process difficult emotions and gain a sense of control over your life. Setting boundaries is also important; remember, it’s okay to protect your own mental health. While it’s natural to want to help your parent, recognizing your limits and prioritizing self-care is essential to maintaining your own well-being. While these new practices can be difficult, groups like those mentioned above can provide great guidance and support when establishing and adhering to taking better care of yourself.

5. Practice Self-Compassion
Feelings of abandonment can sometimes lead to self-doubt or self-criticism. Remind yourself that your parent’s disease of addiction is not your fault, nor is it something you can control. Practicing self-compassion—being kind to yourself during times of emotional pain—can be transformative. You might try writing down affirmations or positive reminders of your strengths and value. Engaging in self-compassion exercises can help you create an inner voice that is understanding and gentle, counteracting any negative self-talk that may arise.

6. Consider Speaking with a Counselor or Therapist
If feelings of abandonment become overwhelming, working with a therapist or counselor can be a helpful solution. Therapy offers a safe space to explore and process emotions related to your parent’s disease and can guide you in building coping mechanisms. Therapists trained in family dynamics and trauma can help you identify patterns in your relationships and provide strategies to work through abandonment issues. Therapy can also foster resilience, helping you gain a stronger sense of self-worth and emotional stability.

7. Explore Symptoms of Potential Co-Existing Conditions
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and FASD (fetal alcohol syndrome disorders) are just a few of the co-existing issues that often occur in families impacted by substance use disorders. Without properly identifying these and managing them in healthy ways, many adults may fault themselves in other areas; misunderstanding that, for instance, feelings of abandonment may be the only reason that one is still struggling in adulthood. Should additional conditions be present, proper management and care can contribute to the ability to process feelings of abandonment. It is best to discuss any symptoms of concern with your primary care physician.

8. Create Meaningful Connections
When dealing with abandonment, creating meaningful connections outside the parent-child relationship can be essential for healing. Friends, mentors, or even extended family members can provide the emotional support that may feel missing. By building these connections, you create a network of people who care about you and can offer encouragement and companionship. Over time, these relationships can reinforce your sense of belonging and show you that you’re not alone.