Caregivers and Relatives Empowered for Support (CARES) is a volunteer-led program. We provide healing, education, and support to families affected by addiction. One of the most affected groups tends to be the children of addicts. Looking at children of addicts statistics for 2025 can show you that you’re not alone. It can also help you understand that the effects you might experience as the child of an addict make sense. Overcoming adversity is possible for children of addicts, and we are here to help.
Children of Addicts Statistics 2025
Since it takes time to gather accurate statistics for any given year, we should see children of addicts statistics for 2025 soon. However, what we know already paints a clear picture: being the child of an addict is not uncommon, and support is needed.
- If you’re the child of an addict, you’re not alone. As of 2023, one in four children in the United States under age 18 lives with a parent who has a substance use disorder. This translates to nearly 19 million children.
- Substance use disorders range in severity. Among the 19 million children of addicts in 2023, over 7.5 million had a moderate to severe substance use disorder.
- Many people with substance use disorders have more than one. Nearly 3.5 million children had parents with multiple substance use disorders in 2023.
- Alcohol use disorder (AUD) was among the most prevalent substance use conditions to impact families. Alcohol is a highly destructive drug, with parental AUD affecting more than 12 million US children in 2023.
- Mental illness and addiction co-occur frequently. In 2023, over 6 million children affected by parental substance use disorders had at least one parent with a co-occurring mental health condition.
Children of addicts are more likely to have negative experiences in early life. These statistics highlight not just the need for treatment for family members, but the need for resources geared toward the children of addicts. That’s where CARES comes in.
Our Mission
At CARES, our mission is to foster a community that breaks the cycle of addiction. Our resources are geared toward caregivers and relatives of those affected by drug and alcohol use, such as the children of addicts. Join us each Monday in Austin, TX, to listen to expert speakers, meet new people, and access real tools for navigating recovery.
Speaker Schedule
Our speakers are professionals who have studied, written books, or overcome the situations many family members of those affected by addiction find themselves in. You can view our speaker schedule and click on the resources our speakers may discuss here.
Invitation to Change
We integrate the invitation to change (ITC) method. It’s not a support group, nor a psychotherapy method. Instead, the ITC program is a compassionate, science-based approach designed to help loved ones support someone affected by substance abuse and other problematic behaviors. It combines elements of evidence-based therapies, such as:
- Motivational Interviewing (MI).
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
- Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT).
The program helps family members and friends facilitate positive change.
Contact CARES to Find Healing, Education, and Support for Family Members Affected by Substance Use Disorders
Developed in Austin, TX, CARES strives to be a nationwide resource for those seeking support. We are a space where people who love and protect can go to feel loved and protected. Contact CARES to find healing, education, and support for family members affected by substance use disorders today at 512-232-3532.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does being the child of an addict affect your mental health?
Being the child of an addict can affect your mental health in many different ways, which is why seeking support is so essential. Common challenges children of addicts face can include, but aren’t limited to:
The pressure to hide a parent’s addiction.
Feelings of depression, guilt, loneliness, shame, confusion, and anger.
An increased risk of mental health conditions (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance use disorders).
Children of addicts may grow up in chaotic environments, take on caregiving roles, or struggle with attachment and trust. Every child of an addict experiences different effects and responds differently to the challenges they face.
Are children of addicts more likely to have substance use disorders?
Yes. Unfortunately, research shows that children of addicts are more prone to developing substance use disorders compared to the general population. However, this is not a guarantee, nor a life sentence. Addiction is treatable, and help is available for children of addicts who go on to develop a substance use disorder themselves.
Are there support groups for children of addicts?
Yes. In addition to our weekly meetings in Austin, there are a variety of support groups that may be suitable for children of addicts. Depending on the person’s age group, these may include:
Adult Children of Alcoholics: Adult Children of Alcoholics is a 12-step program focused on emotional sobriety, designed for those who wish to recover from the effects of growing up in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional families.
Nar-Anon Family Groups: Nar-Anon family groups are a 12-step program for family members and friends of people with drug addiction.
Narateen: Narateen groups are for teens affected by someone else’s drug addiction. Age ranges for groups generally include those ages 12-19 or 13-18, depending on the meeting.
Al-Anon Family Groups: Al-Anon family groups are a 12-step program for family members and friends of people with alcohol addiction.
Alateen: Alateen groups are for teens affected by someone else’s alcoholism. Like Narateen, ages welcomed range from 12-19 or 13-18, depending on the meeting.
SMART Family & Friends: Run by trained facilitators, SMART Family & Friends Groups are designed for loved ones of those who are facing substance abuse and other problematic behaviors, such as gambling.
Families Anonymous: Families Anonymous is a 12-step program for family members and friends of those with a current, suspected, or former problem with substance abuse and related behavioral issues.
These resources are all free of cost. Meetings are available both in person and online.