A Substance-Abusing Parent - Research Paper Example

A. The definition of a substance abusing parent is rooted in the way that the mother or father physically or emotionally abuses a child while under the influence of either alcohol or drugs. Such a parent normally acts out dramatic behaviors and are experts at manipulating the child into believing that his or her actions are part of a normal behavior. B. A substance abusing parent would normally display behaviors that become over exaggerated while under the influence. These persons have weak personalities that do not allow them to properly respond to their personal needs and more importantly, they are unable to properly address the needs of their children as well. C. A substance abusing parent will not be able to properly parent a child.

Instead of showing love, care, and affection, a substance abusing parent will show irritation, anger, disregard, and worse, physically act out their frustrations upon the child. This type of parent most often causes deeply rooted phobias, emotional problems, and physical damage upon the halpless child. D. It is important to first help the parent acknowledge that he or she is abusing substances. Once that admission is achieved, he or she must be forced to acknowledge that harm has been done to the child due to their actions under the influence.

Only after the abusive parent admits to those 2 important factors can they begin to face their treatment program. During the program, the parent must be made to repent for their actions and their rehabilitation program should include parenting lessons and supervised visits with their child in order to help them recover from their addiction.