Substance use doesn’t just affect the individual—it impacts the entire family.
Families play a crucial role in supporting the process of change. Children affected by addiction often face complex and lasting challenges that can shape their development and well-being. That’s why our approach focuses on healing both the person receiving treatment and their loved ones. We understand that treating everyone is key to real, lasting change.
How does a loved one’s addiction impact children?
Children can feel responsible for their loved one’s addiction, in addition to experiencing emotions such as:
- Shame
- Guilt
- Anger
- Sadness
- Loneliness
- Hurt
- Confusion
- Fear
If these feelings are not appropriately addressed, children are at a higher risk of mental health and behavior challenges, including:
- Academic struggles
- Trouble managing emotions
- Attention and memory issues
- Relationship difficulties
- Substance use and addiction
Substance use is a leading contributor to separation and divorce and is frequently associated with child abuse and neglect.
How can children be supported?
There are several ways to support and empower children who live with someone struggling with substance use:
- Help them understand addiction as a sickness or a disease requiring treatment.
- Be honest. Give age-appropriate answers. It’s also okay not to have an answer.
- Emphasize that the child is not alone. Help identify various safe people, supports, and resources.
- Provide opportunities for them to feel seen and heard, to feel power and control, and to feel valued.
- Remind them that it’s okay to ask for help!
What is the children’s book created by Rogers’ team members?
Calling it her passion project, Michelle Maloney, PhD, System executive clinical director of Mental Health and Addiction Recovery for Rogers, led the effort to create a combined children’s story and activity book for children living with loved ones with a substance use disorder.
“Gilly Learns He is Not Alone” tells the story of a grouper fish whose dad has a substance use disorder. He feels like it’s his fault and doesn’t know what to do. Ultimately, Gilly talks with his coach, who is a beluga whale, and the coach helps Gilly. Gilly then meets other friends who have the same challenge, and he helps them. The book invites kids to have their own story and talk about their story, and asks, who do you want to share with?
The book was funded by a generous donor in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and is available by clicking here.
What are addiction support programs for family members?
There are 12-step programs that support families, specifically children, who have a loved one with a substance use disorder. They are:
Al-Anon – for spouses, siblings, parents, children, and friends of those struggling with addiction
Alateen – for children ages 9 to 18 affected by addiction
Families Anonymous – originally formed to help parents coping with their children’s addictions, is now open for anyone who is impacted
Click here to find a meeting in your area.
How does Rogers support family members and loved ones?
Rogers defines families as supportive individuals, which may include traditional family members, like parents or a spouse, as well as neighbors, a coach, or anyone else identified as a supportive loved one.
Family sessions
There are regular family sessions with a member of Rogers’ treatment team to help each patient’s support system better understand their loved one’s experiences.
Friends and Family Program
Additionally, Rogers offers a two-day Family and Friends Program to give supportive loved ones the chance to focus on themselves and understand how substance use disorder has impacted them. During the program, loved ones have the opportunity to share their story and meet others with similar experiences. This is offered free of charge at Rogers’ locations across the country.
SOAR program
Rogers is offering two free Strength Over Addiction Recovery (SOAR) workshops designed to support children and adolescents facing the emotional and psychological challenges of having a loved one struggling with substance use.
They are:
- April 26, 2025 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin
- May 17, 2025 in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
The workshops are open to children 6 through 15 and led by trained staff to provide a safe space for learning.
For more information and to register, email SOAR@rogersbh.org.
By Michelle Maloney, PhD, LPC, CAADC, CRPS, executive clinical director of Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services; Page Feller, NCSE, ICS, LPC, MAC, CSAC, clinical operations supervisor; and Jim Hishmeh, DSW, LCSW, CSAC, ICS, director of Addiction Recovery Services at Rogers Behavioral Health
Rogers provides compassionate care for mental health and addiction
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health and addiction, you’re not alone. Rogers’ treatment can help you transform your life in a supportive and judgement-free environment.
Call 833-308-5887 for a free, confidential screening.
Part of our summer series, Sunny Days, Healthy Minds
Summer is right around the corner, and there’s never been a better time to prioritize mental health! Rogers is proud to introduce you to eight new offerings designed to fit busy summer schedules and address a variety of mental health concerns – without interfering with vacations and other beloved summer activities. Click here to learn more.
