The discussion of the emotional impact on a child of an addicted parent notes that children raised in the often unstable and chaotic environment of the drug-abusing parent have an increased risk for physical and emotional illness. One of the most toxic factors is parental unpredictability; at times the parent may be warm and friendly toward the child, and in the next instant become angry or violent. The substance-abusing parent may also blame the child for his/her problems. This can lead to guilt, depression, and low self-esteem in the child. A discussion of a child's feelings toward a substance-abusing parent encompasses resentment, anger, and guilt. A listing of common problems of children with a substance-abusing parent is followed by a description of how substance-abusing parents act toward their children. Remaining sections of the booklet address the effect of parental substance abuse on a child's schooling, substance abuse as a family problem, the roles of the spouse and the children, coping skills for family members, help for the family, and coping strategies for children during their parents' recovery. 7 resource listings