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If you grew up with parental substance abuse, the fact that you are attending college is an excellent sign that you already have many of the skills you need to succeed. Your job now is to build on these skills and reach out for support.
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Contact your college counseling or health center:
• Find out which professionals and student leaders are knowledgeable about family substance abuse issues – counselors, clergy, nurses, physicians, health educators, resident advisors, or others.
• Ask about individual counseling services.
• Check to see if there are any groups on campus for students who are children of substance abusers. If no groups exist, you might want to ask one of the professionals on campus how you might start one. |
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Check the community yellow pages for Al-Anon or ACOA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) meetings in the area. Both groups sponsor free, anonymous support groups organized by and for adult children of substance abusers. Whatever form of support you choose, it helps to attend at least four or five sessions before you decide if it is right for you.
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Check out a few of the many articles and books written about parental substance abuse. You can start with the resource list in the back of this booklet or check out what’s available at a local library or bookstore.
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If you feel comfortable, you may also decide to share your feelings and experiences with a friend, professor, or advisor. Learning how to trust your own feelings and other people takes time, but it is an essential part of the healing process.
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