CONTENTS

About This Course

Table of Contents

1. Getting The Basics
2. Substance Abuse
3. Violence Against Women
4. Violent Men
5. Alcohol and Violence
6. Alcohol, Drugs and Sexual Assault (Date Rape)
7. Preventing Sexual Assault
8. After a Rape or Sexual Assault
9. Assistance - Women
10. Assistance - Men
11. Legal Options

Supplements
Resources
Glossary
Fact Sheets

It Won't Happen to Me:
Substance Abuse-Related Violence Against Women for Anyone Concerned About The Issues

Effects of Substance Abuse on Children

Growing up with parents who have alcohol or drug problems is enormously stressful. The lack of routine and structure leaves children guessing at what will happen next. Having a parent with substance abuse problems can also bring shame and feelings of guilt. In addition, children get mistaken ideas about what life should be like.

The mistaken ideas that children pick up from growing up in a household with parents who have drug or alcohol problems last for a long time. In fact, children learn bad habits and ways of acting that they may carry into adulthood. For example, typical behaviors of adult children of alcoholics include:

• Guessing at what normal is
• Having trouble following a project through from beginning to end
• Lying when it would be just as easy to tell the truth
• Judging themselves harshly
• Having trouble having fun