MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH:
Acknowledging the Resilience and Challenges of Children of Parents with SUD

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s essential to shed light on the unique experiences of those who grow up in the shadow of familial addiction. Children living in such families – otherwise known as COAs – navigate a landscape marked by profound challenges, yet also display incredible resilience and strength. During Mental Health Awareness Month, NACoA is highlighting the complex interplay between the mental health issues, needs, strengths, and resilience of COAs, recognizing both their challenges and their capacity for growth and recovery.

Growing up with addiction in the family engraves deep impressions of uncertainty and distress. For COAs, home—a place that should be a sanctuary of consistency and comfort—often morphs into a realm of unpredictability and pain. The trauma stemming from this environment can manifest in various mental health challenges, ranging from anxiety and depression to more complex relational and self-esteem issues.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Despite these adversities, COAs often develop remarkable strengths. Their experiences can cultivate empathy, deep emotional insight, and an acute awareness of the needs and struggles of others. When children face challenges and develop what we call “survival skills” to cope with what is happening at home, this is resilience. The ability to respond practically as well as emotionally to adversity allows these children to better function independently and adapt to life’s unpredictability successfully.

hame often originates in early life experiences. Negative interactions with caregivers, trauma, societal expectations, and cultural or family beliefs can plant seeds of shame that may grow and proliferate over time. So often, these roots can sprout depression and anxiety disorders if left unrecognized and untreated. Scientific American’s article The Scientific Underpinnings and Impacts of Shame details this vulnerability. Recognizing the source of shame is the first step toward healing. It’s essential for individuals to understand that these beliefs about themselves were formed through their experiences and are not reflective of their true selves.

Nurturing Mental Health for COAs

This month, as we advocate for broader mental health support, we must ensure that our efforts are inclusive of those who have been influenced by familial addiction. It is crucial to acknowledge the unique challenges that the COAs face in your life and provide them with the specific resources they need—support groups designed for, and tailored to, their experiences; therapy that addresses complex familial dynamics, and education that empowers them to break the intergenerational cycle of addiction.

Recognizing the unique mental health needs of COAs can help destigmatize the conversation around both addiction and mental health. It invites a broader understanding of how diverse experiences shape personal needs and recovery paths. By fostering a community that listens to and supports COAs, we can help illuminate their journey towards healing and thriving.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, partner with NACoA as we acknowledge the silent struggles and support the resilience of children who have grown up in homes with addiction. Together, we can be the voice of their experiences and advocate for better mental health support so COAs not only survive, BUT FLOURISH!

For anyone in a mental health crisis, here are two essential resources for support:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
• If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
• Call or text: 988
• Chat: 988lifeline.org
• You’ll be able to speak with a trained crisis counselor any time of day or night.

SAMHSA Helpline

This Helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential help. You can get treatment referral and information about mental health and drug or alcohol use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish.
• Call: 1-800-662-4357
• TTY: 1-800-487-4889
• Text your ZIP code to: 435748
• Visit SAMHSA’s National Helpline