The Effects of Growing Up with an Addict — And the Empowerment of Breaking Cycles
Hi, I’m Caley. I’m a licesned therapist who believes that mental and physical health go hand in hand and that healing is possible, even when your story begins in pain.
This work is deeply personal to me.
I didn’t just study trauma in textbooks. I lived it.
I grew up with a father who struggled with addiction. Addiction doesn’t just affect the person using - it ripples out through the entire family system. It shapes how you think, how you feel, how you relate to others, and often… how you relate to yourself. It can leave you walking on eggshells, bracing for the next wave of chaos, confusion, or pain. And if you’re anything like me, it can leave you wondering: “Is this normal?”
I want you to know, if you’ve grown up with a parent who battled addiction - you are not alone. And more importantly, your story doesn’t end there.
The Effects of Growing Up with an Addict — And the Empowerment of Breaking Cycles
The Hidden Effects of Growing Up with an Addict
The term Adult Children of Alcoholics/Addicts (ACoA) refers to anyone who grew up in a household where one or both parents struggled with substance use. And while no two experiences are exactly the same, there are some common threads:
You may have learned to become hyper-independent or overly responsible at a young age.
You might struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, or people-pleasing constantly anticipating others’ needs before your own.
Relationships may feel difficult, or even unsafe. Trust can feel earned, but never given.
You may question your worth, your memories, or whether you’re “too sensitive.”
You’ve likely carried more than you should have and not always by choice.
Studies show that children of parents with substance use disorders are more likely to develop anxiety, depression, and even chronic health conditions later in life. In fact, according to SAMHSA, more than 1 in 8 children live in a household with at least one parent who has a substance use disorder. That’s millions of children who grow up believing that chaos is love, inconsistency is normal, and self-sacrifice is necessary.
But here’s what I’ve learned, both personally and professionally: Cycles can be broken. And you don’t have to do it alone.
Healing From Parental Addiction in Florida with Accessible Online Therapy
Healing Means You Don’t Have to Carry It All Anymore
For so long, I thought healing meant “being strong” or “forgiving and forgetting.” But healing isn’t about pretending the past didn’t happen. It’s about learning how to be present with your story and giving yourself permission to live differently now.
That might mean:
Learning how to regulate your nervous system so your body doesn’t feel like it’s in survival mode 24/7.
Identifying and unlearning the patterns that kept you safe but now keep you stuck.
Processing the grief of what you didn’t get, while giving yourself what you need now.
Letting go of the roles you took on as a child like caretaker, peacekeeper, or fixer and rediscovering who you are without those burdens.
Practicing connection, vulnerability, and trust (yes, even when it feels scary).
I’ve had the honor of working with so many brave women, especially moms, who are doing this work every day. Women who want to parent differently. Love differently. Live differently. Women who are learning how to care for their own needs without guilt and how to trust themselves again.
The Empowerment of Breaking Cycles
I’ll be honest: breaking generational cycles isn’t easy. It takes courage to look at your past and say, “This ends with me.” But it’s also the most empowering thing you can do - not just for yourself, but for everyone who comes after you.
Because when you begin to heal:
You show your children what healthy love and boundaries look like.
You interrupt the belief that love has to be earned or painful.
You reclaim your body, your story, your peace.
You become the cycle-breaker.
And that is something to be proud of.
CBG Counseling - Modern therapy specializing in EMDR therapy for trauma and anxiety
Ready to Begin?
Whether you’re just now beginning to realize the impact your childhood had on you, or you’ve been carrying it for decades - there’s room for you here.
I specialize in helping women work through trauma, anxiety, and relationship challenges. If you're located in Virginia, Rhode Island, Florida, Connecticut or South Carolina, I offer virtual therapy sessions that are modern, compassionate, and grounded in real-life healing.
If this resonates with you, I’d be honored to support your journey.
Reach out to schedule a consultation or learn more about working together. Your healing matters. Your story deserves care.
