Children of substance abusers face years-long waits for therapy

Children of parents with substance abuse issues in northern Denmark are waiting up to four years for therapy through TUBA, a counselling service, as the organisation struggles with reduced state funding and rising demand.

In Aalborg Municipality, the wait for therapy now exceeds four years, while in Hjørring, Frederikshavn, and Mariagerfjord, it ranges from one to 18 months, according to TUBA’s national director Bente Ryberg. She warns that delays risk diminishing the effectiveness of support, as many young people only seek help when their problems have become overwhelming.

Michelle Røge, a Hjørring resident raised in a household with alcohol and drug abuse, abandoned her therapy request two years ago due to the wait. She describes ongoing struggles with anxiety, shame, and low self-worth, as well as difficulty maintaining relationships. “You’re constantly waiting for things to go wrong,” she said. The prolonged wait, she added, affects family life, work, and overall well-being.

Røge has since rejoined the waiting list. TUBA reports growing demand, yet Hjørring Municipality has included further cuts to the service in its upcoming budget proposals—a decision Røge calls incomprehensible given the existing backlog.

Municipalities fund support for those over 25, while the state covers costs for children and young adults aged 12 to 24.