What a child can do if a parent is on drugs

It is helpful to teach children some things to help themselves as they get old enough, if parents are on drugs.

Keeping safe

* Keep yourself safe; it is your parents' responsibility to keep themselves safe - you should never feel responsible for their burden as well.
* It's not the child's responsibility to take on parental duties such as cleaning or cooking (apart from normal chores).
* This does not mean children should not be caring and supportive but they need to understand that it is important to put their safety and well being first.

Talk to someone

* You don't have to cope on your own.
* Talk to an adult you can trust eg grandparents, teacher, priest, sports coach. It should be someone you feel comfortable and safe with, whom you trust and who cares about you.
* Even if it is a "secret" in you house, it is important for you to have support for yourself - this is not breaking trust.
* Talk to someone who has professional skills, such as a Kid's Helpline.

AIDS and hepatitis

* If you have a parent who is sharing needles with others, there is a risk of her getting AIDS, hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
* It may be useful to talk to your doctor about your risk of infection and whether you need to be immunized against hepatitis B.