Parental Substance Abuse

Andrea DeWitte
Description

Substance abuse is a patterned use of a drug that is harmful to the user

causing physical, social, and psychological harm (WHO)
Common substance abuse drugs include: alcohol, marijuana, cocaine,
heroin, meth, and opioids
Substance abuse is a significant problem in todays society,
unfortunately, millions of American children live in homes with parents
or caregivers who are regularly involved in alcohol or drug use
A parents substance abuse may affect their ability to consistently
prioritize their childrens basic physical and emotional needs and provide
a safe, nurturing environment (Smith 2016)
Prevalence
9.5 million children are living with parents who are substance abusers
(Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality 2015)
7.3 million with a parent dependent or abusing alcohol
2.2 million with a parent dependent or abusing illicit drugs
1:6 children in school today has a parent dependent on or addicted to
alcohol or other drugs (Davies, 2010)
70% of abused and neglected children have alcohol or drug abusing
parents (National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse)
Children whose parents abuse drugs/alcohol are 3x more likely to
experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse and 4x more likely to
experience neglect compared to their peers (DrugRehab)
Children who grow up in homes with a parent who abuses drugs or
alcohol are more likely to begin using drugs or alcohol
Common Behaviors
Trust issues
Lack of attachment
Guilt
Shame
Trouble concentrating in school
Tired/Stressed
Aggression
Low self esteem
Drawing pictures or role playing themes of drug and
alcohol use
Attention seeking behaviors
Higher risk developing of mental illness; anxiety,
depression, or eating disorders
Resources

Coulee Council on Addictions

http://www.couleecouncil.org/parentfamily-
resources.html
National Association for Children of Alcoholics
http://nacoa.org/
U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Childrens Bureau
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/
Therapy
Counseling
Strategies for Paras

Encourage the child and be a positive role model

Reassure the child that it is not their fault
Reassure the child that you care about them and are there for
them
Keep the childs home life confidential
Observe behavioral indicators and report to a superior if needed
Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z1RkypLIUA
Living Situations

Foster care- Child Protective Services

Living with the parent with a substance abuse problem
Living with another family member: grandparents, aunts/uncles,
other parent
Which child looks like
they have a parent
who abuses
drugs/alcohol?
Sources

http://performancepyramid.miamioh.edu/node/1326
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201607/harvard-
study-pegs-how-parental-substance-abuse-impacts-kids
http://digitalcommons.providence.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1013&cont
ext=socialwrk_students
http://www.drugrehab.us/news/parental-drug-addiction-children/
Substance abuse. (2016). World Health Organization. Retrieved 18 October
2016, from http://www.who.int/topics/substance_abuse/en/
Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2015). Behavioral health
trends in the United States: Results from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use
and Health (HHS Publication No. SMA 15-4927, NSDUH Series H-50). Retrieved
from http://www.samhsa.gov/ data/
Davies, L (2010. An Educators Guide to Children Affected by Parental Drug
Abuse. Education Digest, 75(8) 62-64.