What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to explore childhood experiences of individuals raised by a parent with addiction and their influence on adulthood.

Lost childhood: lived experiences of growing up with a parent with addiction

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Qualitative exploration reveals emotional and relational impacts on adults raised by addicted parents, suggesting needed interventions.

The study aims to explore childhood experiences of individuals raised by a parent with addiction and their influence on adulthood.
Recruited 78 adult participants with histories of parental addiction.
Participants completed anonymous written interviews about their experiences.
Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Identified three main themes: 'The Feeling of the Elephant in the Room', 'Uncertain Parent Image', and 'Lost Childhood'.
Reported long-term emotional and relational consequences, including experiences of emotional neglect and secrecy.
Stressed the need for trauma-informed and grief-sensitive interventions for affected individuals.

Kassai et al. (2026) studied this question.

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