Parenting Adult Children with Addiction: Insights from Dr. Judith Smith
Episode Overview
Addiction and mental health issues affect the entire family. Self-care and setting boundaries are crucial for parents. Support groups like Al-Anon and NAMI can provide valuable help. Societal issues like affordable housing contribute to family struggles. Parents need to find compassion for themselves.
There's no easy answer. Wanting to do what feels right to protect your child often feels impossible financially and psychologically.
In this heartfelt episode of 'Addiction and the Family', hosts Casey and Kira Arrillaga welcome Dr. Judith Smith, a researcher and clinician who has dedicated her career to understanding the complexities of parenting adult children with addiction and mental health issues. Dr. Smith shares her journey from child development research to focusing on older mothers coping with the challenges posed by their adult children's struggles.
Her insights stem from both professional expertise and personal experiences, making her perspective deeply relatable and impactful. The discussion touches on the emotional and psychological toll that addiction and mental illness can have on families, especially parents. Dr. Smith's book, 'Difficult: Mothering Challenging Adult Children Through Conflict and Change', serves as a focal point for the conversation, providing real-life examples and practical advice for parents in similar situations.
She highlights the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support from groups like Al-Anon and NAMI. Dr. Smith also addresses the societal issues contributing to these family struggles, such as the lack of affordable housing and adequate mental health services. She emphasises that addiction and mental health problems are not anyone's fault and encourages parents to find compassion for themselves. This episode is a must-listen for anyone dealing with the ripple effects of addiction within their family.
It offers a blend of professional advice, personal anecdotes, and societal critique, all aimed at helping families navigate these difficult waters. Whether you're a parent, sibling, or friend of someone struggling with addiction, you'll find valuable insights and support here. Tune in to hear Dr. Smith's compassionate approach and discover how you can take steps towards healing and recovery for yourself and your loved ones.