How Children Are Affected By a Parent’s Addiction

Children who live with drug or alcohol addicted parents can have a very harsh life. Those in the grips of addiction often neglect their responsibilities and cannot function without their substance of choice. This means they may spend all available funds on getting their hands on certain drugs or alcohol, leaving their children without food or clean clothing.

Unfortunately, the children of addicts often go to school in dirty clothes and hungry from lack of food. Their schoolwork may also suffer, as there is no one at home to help with homework or to even encourage them to do it. They may be embarrassed about their home situation, and they could become withdrawn and isolate themselves from other children. Sadly, these children often end up the victims of bullies who target them because they are different. Living with an addicted parent is an emotional rollercoaster, and children often suffer from depression and anxiety.

Danger

Some children of addicts can suffer harm because of their parent’s actions. This was the case for Finola Cash’s eleven-month-old son. Ricky Cash was found unconscious in the bath after his mother left him alone while she went to score crack cocaine.

A social worker had visited the tragic family hours before the child died, reporting that he was in no immediate danger. However, there was Class A drugs found in his system because his mother smoked crack in their home.

There were previous concerns that Ricky was in danger of neglect but, just two days before he died, a decision was made not to take him into care.

Complaints

Finola Cash had refused to have treatment for her drug addiction and had failed to register her son with a GP. Her neighbours had made complaints that she was smoking in the hostel room where she was staying. Staff also complained that the room smelled of faeces and urine and that Ricky was often in soiled clothing.

Despite the complaints, when social services and police met with Finola and Rick, the child appeared well, and they noted that she did not look as though she was on drugs. Due to lack of evidence of danger of neglect to the child, the decision was made not to take him into care. Tragically, he died two days later. CCTV showed Finola leaving the hostel room and picking something up from a black car outside. Fifteen minutes later, she came rushing back from her room with the unconscious and naked child in her arms.

There was evidence of drugs in his system when he died, and he had signs of chronic nappy rash as well, which is linked to neglect.

Devastating Addiction

Despite the death of her son, Cash continually missed meetings with social workers and even missed a meeting to arrange the funeral. She was then taken into custody and, in March 2015, pleaded guilty to manslaughter. She was sentenced to six years in prison. The judge criticised her for not accepting the help that was offered to her to treat her devastating addiction.

Help is Available

Unfortunately, for Ricky Cash, his mother did not accept the help offered to her, but many addicts out there would be grateful to get help for their addictions. Middlegate is a free service helping those with addiction. We work by connecting clients with suitable treatment providers all over the UK. If you need help, contact us today.

We will begin working on your behalf immediately and after assessing your individual circumstances, we will ensure you get the help you need to beat your demons.

Source:

  1. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/drug-addict-mother-whose-baby-5852353
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