Shameless Parent Addiction

Drug abuse impacts the users and the people involved in their life. Beyond the harmful consequences to health, finances, and occupation; children of addicted parents are perhaps the most affected. Growing up with and addict can mean having to handle varies unethical situations. For instance, not being their parent’s main priority. Their relationship with their drug of choice surpasses the bond they share with their kids. Likewise, living without established rules or any form of guidance. Their so undependable that the child has to find ways to fend for oneself and take on responsibilities normally performed by the parent. Furthermore, parental addiction can cause the children to live in constant fear because it’s uncertain what mood the parent will be in at any given time. What happens if the parent decides to get sober and start acting like a parent?
The popular tv show “Shameless” is an American comedy-drama about the Gallagher family. There a dysfunctional family involving and once in but now out of the picture mom and a drug and alcohol addicted dad Frank who basically abandons his children of six except when it convinces him. Inevitably forcing the oldest daughter Fiona to act as parent and take care of her five siblings alone. The show

follows their life in the projects of Chicago and reveals the craziness that comes along with having a father like Frank and methods to surviving. In one episode the mother shows up claiming she’s clean and ready to take on more responsibilities around the house and with the kids. At this point everyone’s skeptical but as the day’s progress and she proved herself little by little hope formed and belief in the possibility that she actually changed. It didn’t take much for the youngest to accept the change but the older children were more skeptical. The youngest were happy with the change but It was obvious how difficult and uncomfortable it was for the oldest child Fiona to give away even the littlest of responsibilities like making sure the children ate breakfast and got to school on time. In the end the mother ended up relapsing on drugs and left.
Building trust and having patients is needed when trying to change established patterns in a family involving a previously addicted parent.

“Make actions matter.” Don’t just make promises and commitments without backing it up with actions. Even though it didn’t last in the long run Fiona only started to trust her mother’s with the kids and other responsibilities after she showcased her vows with activity, and drew her own conclusions after observing her. “Be Patient.” How do you expect them to trust and respect you wright away without haven earned it. Also be mindful their likely accustomed to promises that get broken on the regular. Trust and patients are the building blocks to changing the dynamics of the family

patterns.