The opioid epidemic has had devastating consequences for families of all kinds.

As of 2020, adults between the ages of 35 and 44 experienced the highest rates of drug

overdose deaths compared to any other age group, that's according to data from the Department

of Agriculture.

And when a child's parent dies from a drug overdose or becomes unable to care for their

child due to that substance use disorder, who is left to pick up the pieces?

Very often, that person is the child's grandparent.

I've been raising grandchildren for 30 years.

It's a rewarding experience.

It's an exhausting experience.

You're not only dealing with your grandchildren, you're dealing with their traumas.

I am 68 years old now.

I have three teenagers at home.

I would love to retire, but I can't until they are grown.

I would say my one complaint is there's not enough support out there for grandparents

raising grandchildren with support groups, but I mean true, true, deep support.

This familial arrangement is called a grand family, and it involves a unique set of challenges.

These challenges can include dwindling incomes and health issues related to aging.

To the break, we discuss what kind of support grand families need to raise successful children.

We also explore how the opioid crisis affects grandparent caregivers.

I'm Dessa, InfraGen White.

You're listening to the 1A podcast where we get to the heart of the story.

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