This week through Saturday marks the international Children of Addiction Awareness Week. Prevention Works is calling on the communities of Chautauqua County to recognize this important week and to highlight the needs of the estimated 8.7 million children and youth nationwide affected by parental addiction.

Oftentimes the person with the addiction is treated individually and independently from their family members. For children living in homes with parental addiction treatment is often overlooked. Children are in desperate need of care and treatment that can lead to both healing and hope for a better, healthier future.

Parental addiction has a lasting impact on children in that household. Roughly 1 in 8 children aged 17 or younger are living in a household with at least one parent who has a substance use disorder, according to SAMSHA.

Addiction impacts these children in various ways. The National Institute of Health cites that children of parental addiction are three times more likely to be physically, emotionally, or sexually abused and four times more likely to be emotionally or physically neglected. Children living with an addicted parent are more susceptible to substance abuse in the future. It is essential to understand the needs created by an impact of addiction to provide the support and care for children of addiction and their families.

Resiliency is something that can be built in children and here at Prevention Works we strive to do just that – provide care for children that will help them in their journey of hope and healing. The organization offers confidential Intervention Services for youth ages 5 to 19 years old. Intervention services entail drug and alcohol education referrals if needed.

— Children of Caregivers with Substance Use Disorders

— Basic Alcohol and Other Drug Information and Referrals

— Family/Friends Substance Use Disorder

— Life Skills Education (Goal Setting, Decision Making, Communication Skills, Social Skills, Refusal Skills and Coping Skills)

There are also groups and other trained professionals that can help. To find Al-Anon or Alateen meetings (virtually or in-person) visit https://al-anon.org/newcomers/teen-corner-alateen/. Al-Anon/Alateen is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s substance use disorder. For other great resources and information, you can visit the National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA) website: www.nacoa.org.

It is important to remind children of the seven Cs: they didn’t cause it; they can’t cure it but they can help take care of themselves by communicating their feelings, making healthy choices, and celebrating who they are. These seven Cs help to remind children that they are not responsible for family member’s substance use or misuse.

If you have any questions or need support regarding COA, please contact Prevention Works at (716) 664-3608 or email info@preventionworks.us.

Since 1974, Prevention Works, a United Way partner agency, has been providing prevention education and community awareness on social emotional learning and substance use. Prevention Works is the only New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) approved and supported alcohol and other drug prevention agencies in Chautauqua County.