Addiction has affected probably millions of families across the world.  Sometimes one of the parents simply abandons the family and that's so sad, especially for children who have no say in the affairs of their parents.  I give a lot of credit for the parents who do stick around and do what has to be done to survive.  My mom is a hero in my eyes because even though life has been extremely hard these last few years, I know she'd do it all over again just for her kids.  When you have kids, you have to do the best you can to provide them with the best care and love.  I really believe that a parent can only be as happy as their children are.  If the children are sad, then the parents are sad.  But children look to their parents for direction, and when they're faced with a problem, they see how their parents react and handle the situation. 

Parents are really a blessing. I dont know waht I would do if mine weren't by my side. They've showed me all the right and wrong paths and although i may disagree with them about soo many things I know they do everything for my own good and i most definately wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for them.

Parents better step it up! It is their obligation to do so. I don't care what you are addicted to, if you can't raise a child in a healthy, addiction and abuse-free environment, they are not being raised correctly. It may be difficult to swallow for parents, but they shouldn't have children in the first place if they are addicted. That is not fair to the child and will probably lead to health problems.