Why Self-Care Is Essential for Parents of Addicts

by Dean Dauphinais

Whenever I talk to the parents of a child struggling with addiction, I tell them that taking care of themselves is just as important as taking care of their child. In fact, it may be more important.

Sometimes my instruction is met with funny looks or skepticism. But for the parents of a child in the throes of addiction, self-care is absolutely essential – even if it goes against our parental instincts.