Drug and alcohol addiction is a brain disease that causes a person to lose self control and make poor decisions.

Drugs and alcohol change the brain and these changes make it hard to quit using. Many people that are addicted to drugs or alcohol come with families that have histories of substance abuse.

Stress and depression can steer a person towards using and abusing.

Children affected by a parent’s drug and alcohol use

★      Feel insecure and confused. Children do not always understand that the adult’s mood is based on the amount of alcohol or drugs in the bloodstream.

★      Are often frightened. Children around drug and alcohol abuse often times witness or are victims of violence.

★      May have developmental delays. Parental substance abuse interrupts a child’s normal development, which places these youngsters at a higher risk for emotional, physical and mental health problems.

What you can do to help your child 

★      Spend time with your child when not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

★      Encourage your child to build positive relationships with other adults through programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters.

★      Call to find out about available support when you are ready to consider making a change.

Contact Numbers 

NCAAD (National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence): 463-3755

Provides education, information, help and hope in the fight against alcoholism and drug addictions.

SEARHC Behavioral Health: 364-4445

Support services for people of Alaska Native/American Indian. A staff member will call you back for a private appointment and refer you to a group session based on your needs.

Rainforest Recovery: 796-8690

Assessments, out-patient, and in-patient treatment of substance abuse

AA and NA Meetings: 586-1161

Call for meeting times and locations, or check the website at www.area02alaska.org and click on “district map”.