Youngsters Raised in Substance-Dependent Households
In Germany, Caritas, a renowned charity organisation, is making significant strides in addressing the challenges faced by children in families affected by addiction. One of their initiatives includes collaborating with the Fitkids organisation.
Caritas' addiction counseling centres, such as those in Paderborn, Neuwied, Augsburg, Speyer, Münster, and various regional centres, offer confidential support and guidance to individuals and families grappling with addiction. While the specific Caritas centres directly linked to the Fitkids program are not explicitly named, the collaboration aims to incorporate the unique needs of children in these families.
Fitkids, an organisational development program, focuses on identifying children in addicted families and providing age-appropriate thematization to help them understand and cope with addiction problems. This approach is crucial, as research shows that children often perceive these problems consciously and may develop psychological complaints or prematurely assume responsibility due to the family's struggles.
The family-oriented approach taken by Caritas' addiction counseling centres is particularly important in this context. Children who grow up in addicted families have a sixfold increased risk of developing an addiction themselves. Therefore, early intervention and support are key to breaking this cycle.
In addition to direct support for children, Caritas also offers assistance to parents who need help in discussing addiction problems with their children. This open dialogue can help reduce the risk of subsequent problems for children, according to Caritas.
Tragically, the impact of addiction extends beyond the immediate family. Each year, 10,000 newborns in Germany are permanently damaged due to alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Moreover, statistics show that 2.65 million children live with an alcoholic parent in Germany.
Caritas' efforts are not limited to just statistics, however. They are actively working to support these children and families, providing them with the tools they need to navigate through challenging times. And for the six million adults in Germany today who grew up in an addicted family, Caritas offers hope for a better future.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Caritas and Fitkids is a significant step towards supporting children in addicted families in Germany. By providing age-appropriate thematization and open dialogue, these organisations are helping to break the cycle of addiction and offering a brighter future for affected children and families.
