Parents diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) can face significant consequences and challenges. The responsibility of raising a child comes with essential tasks like providing them with a safe and nurturing home environment and having the means to meet their daily emotional and physical needs. While under the influence of alcohol or drugs, parents may not recognize how their actions affect their children. Substance misuse can sometimes lead to legal issues, including having the child removed from the parent’s care.
In many cases, parents have an opportunity to regain custody of their child by completing a series of tasks, including attending rehabilitation, family therapy, anger management, or parenting classes. According to the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (NCSACW), “Policies and procedures that encourage parents to enter substance use treatment and consider their parenting role as a part of their recovery process help to reduce the effects of parental substance use disorders on their children.” Facilities like Newport Beach Recovery Center can help parents recover from SUD and learn essential skills that will improve their ability to provide a healthy home environment for their children. In addition, if the state has temporarily removed your child from your care, there might be steps you can take to regain custody.
Taking Steps to Regain Custody of Your Child
The realities of substance misuse include the possibility of losing custody of your child if the state does not believe you can adequately care for your child and keep them safe. Each family and case is unique, meaning there is no single solution. Instead, you will need to work with the system, which often means meeting specific criteria for the state to determine you are a fit parent, including:
- Proving your dedication to recovery by attending treatment and therapy
- Attending educational and parenting classes
- Maintaining steady employment
According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), “Many jurisdictions have developed specialized programs to bring child welfare, substance abuse treatment programs, and court systems together to support reunification.” You will need to maintain a steady recovery or show determination to become a fit parent capable of taking responsibility for your child’s health and well-being.
Symptoms of SUD and co-occurring mental health disorders can worsen during shifts in family dynamics. However, individual and group therapy at treatment facilities like Newport Beach Recovery Center can help you find a healthy path toward reunification with your child.
Parental Legal Issues Caused by Substance Misuse
Many parents find themselves facing multiple legal issues caused by substance misuse, including:
- Jail time or probation
- Fines
- Financial difficulties caused by extreme debt
- Child abuse, neglect, or endangerment charges
- Divorce
- Drug charges
Children are often directly affected by legal, financial, and career problems caused by substance misuse. Even if you try to shelter your child from the consequences, their current and future mental health can suffer. The state may have no choice but to put your child in the care of someone else while you undergo treatment and deal with the fallout of legal issues caused by SUD. Acting in good faith during this period and taking responsibility for your actions can go a long way toward showing your willingness to change.
Coping With the Consequences of Substance Misuse
The consequences of addictive behaviors can ripple through time and affect all areas of your life and the lives of your loved ones. Misusing substances puts everyone around you at risk. Your children and significant other might need their form of treatment to heal the damage caused by your addictive behaviors. You alone are responsible for your actions and the choices you make. Today you can choose to put your family and child first by participating in professional treatment. Participating in a rehabilitation program allows you to heal, grow, and regain control of your life.
A few ways you can cope with the consequences of substance misuse include:
- Committing to change
- Faithfully attending treatment and therapy
- Actively participating in the recovery process
- Increasing your ability to function through education and skill development
- Attending parenting classes
- Expanding your support system
- Practicing self-care
- Communicating clearly and honestly with your loved ones
The hard work you put into healing from SUD will benefit your child by allowing them to see how much you care about them. You do not have to endure constant regret, guilt, and shame. Instead, you can accept the reality of your situation and take concrete steps to change and create a healthier future for yourself and your family.
How to Repair Relationships With Your Loved Ones
Newport Beach Recovery Center offers family therapy and support services to help clients repair relationships with their loved ones. So you can keep moving forward in recovery and provide your family and the state with proof of your dedication to change.
Every relationship requires different steps to repair the damage. However, a few basic things you can do to make progress include:
- Following the guidelines provided by the state
- Being honest about your situation
- Making amends for past behaviors
- Actively participating in all treatment and therapy to ensure personal growth
- Asking for help when you need it
Parents with substance use disorder have to cope with many challenges that might directly or indirectly affect their children. Many people in recovery face legal issues, including the possibility of having their child removed from their care. Losing custody of your child can motivate positive changes in your life by encouraging you to regain control of your health and repair the damages your family suffered due to substance misuse. The dedicated Newport Beach Recovery Center team can help you establish healthy routines and develop essential life skills to function as a parent. We want to help you recover from SUD and reconnect with your family. With hard work and determination, you can make changes that increase your ability to give your child the support and healthy environment they need to thrive. Learn more by contacting our office today. Call us at (888) 850-0363.
