According to Connecticut Clearinghouse, there is a strong relationship between parental substance abuse and child maltreatment. Children with parents who abuse substances often suffer from a higher rate of physical and emotional health issues than children in the general population.
Significance
Connecticut Clearinghouse notes that almost 14 million adults in the United States abuse alcohol. In addition, roughly 12 million more adults abuse illicit substances. This indicates that a significant number of children are being raised in households with addicted parents. The link between substance abuse and child maltreatment is quite strong. In Connecticut, for example, child welfare records indicate that substance abuse is one of the most common reasons for child welfare reports.
Emotional Consequences
Parental substance abuse can have serious emotional consequences for children, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Parents who are frequently intoxicated can have very unpredictable behaviors. Children may often feel insecure or scared, and over the long term this can contribute to mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
Physical and Medical Consequences
The Center on Addiction and the Family in New York reports that parents who abuse substances may often be less attentive to issues of child care and safety. Children may be placed at physical risk due to lack of proper supervision or by violent or dangerous actions taken by the parent. Parents with substance abuse issues are more likely to be physically abusive, drive vehicles under the influence, and mothers who use substances during pregnancy place their children at risk of birth defects.
Educational Consequences
The Center on Addiction and the Family notes that children from substance-abusing families are more likely to have educational difficulties and are more likely to drop out of school. Often overwhelmed and distracted by issues occurring in the home, these children may be unable to focus on homework assignments and may arrive to school feeling anxious and preoccupied about their parents' behavior.
Prevention/Solution
Adults with substance abuse issues often need medical treatment and psychological support, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Parents who abuse substances also need specialized interventions that support parenting skills. This type of treatment often requires the coordination of child welfare services, family therapy sessions and comprehensive substance abuse counseling for the parent. The Center on Addiction and the Family says that early intervention and academic and social support through counseling and tutoring can be critical to the success of the child.
References
- National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Children Living with Substance-Dependent or Substance-Abusing Parents
- Connecticut Clearinghouse: The Relationship Parents Alcohol or Other Drug Problems and Child Maltreatment
- Center on Addiction and the Family: Effects of Parental Substance Abuse on Children and Families
