National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA)

Save the Date – COA Awareness Week 2025 Join the growing number of caring adults from around the world who come together each year for this important week of advocacy and care for children impacted by the disease of addiction. We can break the silence that isolates them and show them they are not alone. More information is coming in December so you can create your own advocacy plans and events! Together we can shine a light around the world on these hidden hurts and bring hope and healing to COAs everywhere.

During American Education Week, and all year long, NACoA appreciates all that our teachers do for our kids & teens. Today's blog is devoted to them: "We know that teaching can be both immensely rewarding and incredibly challenging. That’s why it’s so important during American Education Week to remind teachers how much they are appreciated. Every word of encouragement they offer, every skill they impart, and every moment of care they extend leaves an indelible mark on their students’ lives." Read the blog: https://lnkd.in/dZQs75dW

Today's blog features unique challenges of grieving children when addiction impacts the family: "When a death due to SUD occurs, the silence surrounding addiction stifles the grieving process. Children and families are often put down or have their grief minimized because of societal ignorance with comments like: “their parents are choosing to get drunk or high!” “your parents chose drugs and alcohol over their children!” or “your mom chose to take drugs and that’s why she died.” Kids may not feel safe discussing their pain, for fear of judgment or misunderstanding." Read the blog: https://lnkd.in/daedgWtK

So often, even in the loss of a loved one to addiction, children are the first hurt and last helped. These deaths are different than when cancer or a heart attack steals the life of a parent. With addiction, it isn't talked about, or may be done with great anger/ blame/ resentment/ shame. Many times, meals and flowers aren't provided to support the family. The home isn't visited by caring adults providing love and support. Sometimes children are removed from the home altogether. The soothing practice of reminiscing about a person with loved ones may never be done with kids. Even in death, it is important to separate the parent from the disease, and help kids and teens with their grief. Learn more about how to help these children impacted by the disease of addiction, as they grieve those they love: https://lnkd.in/e9GYuf67

Some adults may choose not to drink alcohol during the holidays. Here are some thoughtful ways to support them at work gatherings and parties.

This is why an essential part of any children's program is play. Plan you program, decide on your exercise, but most of all make it fun! Children impacted by the disease of addiction tend to need a lot of more of that in their lives. Help remind them what it is, and that yes they deserve to actually have some fun.

Colleen Perry provided supportive guidance to ACOAs who are struggling to navigate the upcoming holiday season during last night's ACOA Education and Discussion Meeting. You can listen to the recording here: https://lnkd.in/ebh3c7Ji