Family support

Grandparents raising grandchildren due to addiction

Published September 15, 2025 · 7 min read · Updated April 2026

Reviewed for accuracy by licensed clinical professionals.

Millions of grandparents are raising grandchildren because addiction has rendered the parents unable to provide safe care. This creates a unique set of challenges: grief, anger, financial strain, and navigating systems designed for younger parents.

The emotional burden

Grieving the loss of your child to addiction while simultaneously caring for their children. Anger at the situation. Guilt about whether you could have prevented your child's addiction. Fear about the grandchildren's genetic vulnerability.

Practical challenges

Legal guardianship or custody proceedings. Financial strain on fixed income. Navigating schools, healthcare, and activities at an older age. Explaining the situation to grandchildren age-appropriately. Managing contact between grandchildren and their addicted parent.

Resources

AARP GrandFacts (state-specific resources). Generations United support network. Kinship Navigator programs. Grandparents raising grandchildren support groups. Legal aid for custody proceedings. Check eligibility for TANF kinship payments and Medicaid for the children.

Self-care

You cannot care for grandchildren if you collapse. Attend support groups. Accept help. Maintain your own health appointments. Process your grief through therapy or peer support.

Authoritative sources

This article references guidelines from: SAMHSA · NIDA · ASAM

Frequently asked questions

What help is available for grandparents raising grandchildren?

Kinship Navigator programs, TANF kinship payments, Medicaid for children, legal aid for custody, and support groups. Contact AARP GrandFacts for state-specific resources.

Should I let the addicted parent see the grandchildren?

This depends on safety. Supervised visitation may be appropriate when the parent is sober. Contact during active use should be limited to protect the children.

How do I explain addiction to my grandchildren?

Age-appropriately: their parent has a sickness that makes them unable to take care of them right now. It is not the children's fault.

Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357.