Did you know 1 in 4 children live in families impacted by parental addiction? When I was growing up and coping with the effects of my mother’s alcoholism, I thought the problem was unique to my family and I was ashamed. I don’t want any other child to face this again! Please join me in helping to raise awareness so kids know they’re not alone.
Every February, communities around the world participate in Children of Addiction (COA) Awareness Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness of the millions of children across the world who have been affected by parental addiction. The goal of COA Awareness Week is to ensure that every child has access to the help and support they need as they embark on their healing journey.
As adult children of alcoholics, we understand like no one else the devastating, lifelong effects that children experience from parental addiction, and we can participate in COA Awareness Week in a powerful way. Here are 5 ways you can support Children of Addiction Week, which is February 12 through February 18, 2023:
1. Download the Children of Addiction Awareness Week kit and share content
One of the best ways to support COA Awareness Week is by speaking up. Not sure where to start? Luckily, the National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA) has prepared educational resources that make raising awareness simple. Download the COA Awareness Week Social Media Toolkit for helpful guidance on how to spread the word. You’ll find sample tweets, images you can post to your social media accounts, and a list of hashtags to make your posts easily searchable.
2. Talk to your kids about addiction
Sometimes the greatest impact you can make starts from within the walls of your own home. If you have children, a great way to support COA Awareness Week is by having open conversations with them about addiction. Share with them the ways addiction has affected your life, and help them become aware of children around them who may need their support. Education is powerful and one of the best ways to help break the tragic cycle of addiction. Take it one step further and give them books for children about addiction.
I can only imagine how different the first 26 years of my life would have been if I’d been educated about what was happening in my family. I truly suffered because I didn’t know my mother’s drinking problem was actually a severe case of alcohol addiction. Worst of all, I am among MILLIONS of people who grew up thinking they caused their parent’s substance abuse.
3. Start your own healing journey
One of the best ways to support COA Awareness Week is by embarking on your own healing journey. The more people who heal, the easier it is to break the cycle that continues to impact families throughout generations. Take the time to reflect on where you are in your own healing journey and create a plan to seek more healing and serenity.
Related Resources
Resources and Help for Children of Alcoholics
The Beginner’s Guide to Healing for Adult Children of Alcoholics
4. Share your own experience
Another powerful way to support COA Awareness Week is by sharing your own experience. Personal experiences that highlight the devastating impact of addiction are one of the most powerful ways to raise awareness. Whether you choose to share your story on social media, volunteer to speak at a community event, or have a simple conversation with family and friends, sharing your experience is a powerful way to make a difference.
5. Donate to NACoA
Finally, donating to the National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA) is a great way to support the countless children affected by parental addiction. The National Association for Children of Addiction advocates for all children and families adversely impacted by alcohol or drug use in the family. Remember, one in four children live in a home affected by parental addiction, and many don’t have access to the resources and support they need. Donations support the daily efforts of the NACoA to bring hope and healing to children everywhere who are struggling with the consequences of parental addiction.
Participate in COA Awareness Week
This February, take the time to support COA Awareness Week. Even small efforts can make a big difference in supporting affected children across the world. For more information about COA Awareness Week, visit the NACoA website.
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