The entire family unit is profoundly affected by the active addiction of a parent, often through generations. The challenges and healing that accompany recovery of a parent also exert a profound influence in the immediate family and in future generations. During the active addiction of a parent, children may assume unhealthy roles and behaviors, and parents in early recovery may need to develop new parenting knowledge, skills and confidence to prepare them to help their children, rebuild damaged relationships and reestablish trust.

Parenting can be challenging under any circumstances; parents in recovery from substance use disorders face additional challenges in balancing the work of recovery with the responsibilities of parenting, and with healing damages accrued during active addiction. Working a strong program of recovery may be the first and most important parenting skill required; parents in recovery can also learn and adopt parenting skills that fit their own parenting style and will help them and their families along their personal and family recovery journeys.

This presentation will discuss the importance of maintaining a strong recovery program while parenting; explore “parenting skills 2.0” that can help recovering people to be strong, capable parents; and include a panel discussion by parents in recovery from substance use disorders.