Key points

Living with a parent or caregiver who struggles with substance use can be traumatic for family members.

When children grow in this environment, they have a higher risk of developing anxiety and other disorders.

Increasing support for survivors and their families can help reduce the adverse affects of this form of trauma

When Patrick, 17, came home from school one day, he just knew his mom had relapsed.

There was nothing specific he remembered about that day that told him she had relapsed again. Nothing seemed out of place. But the house felt different. Some unspoken words hung in the air.

Placing his school bag quietly onto the couch, he tiptoed to her bedroom. It was quiet and dark. A dim light shone from under the door of the master bathroom. He knew his instincts were

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