Enhancing Positive Outcomes for Children of Substance-Abusing Parents

Abstract

The misuse of alcohol and other drugs has a significant impact on global health and economy as well as the well-being of children and families. It is estimated that around 48% of adults worldwide use alcohol a«id 4.5% use illicit drugs, though only about 15% misuse alcohol and drugs. The greater the consumption of alcohol, the greater the harm done. The substance misuse by adults does great harm to both themselves and society in general. Their children are impacted as well, often negatively, because many adult substance abusers are also parents. Substance abuse is a family disease because the addict affects those who live around him or her. Parental substance abuse is a public health concern due to its high prevalence and relationship to many negative child developmental and health outcomes. Recent studies have reported on the child's perspective toward their alcohol or drug-using parents. These studies demonstrate three common themes: family role reversal, keeping the family secret, and coping strategies. These themes demonstrate the need for new approaches and interventions to support the development of children living in families where drug use is a problem. Children can feel confused and insecure when they do not understand their parents' erratic behavior and mood, which can be significantly impacted by the effect of alcohol or other drugs. Parents are often like 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'—two different personalities. They tend to be more loving and humorous when using moderately, but can be anxious, paranoid, and use excessive punishment when in withdrawal from their drugs. Of course, the impact on personality of the parent depends on the drug of choice and other mental health problems. Excessive use of stimulants can make parents more agitated and dangerous to children, whereas heroin or depressant users tend to just get sleepy and groggy. Many children take on the parents' role for their younger siblings due to the incapacitating effects of some drugs. This chapter discusses the effects of parents' drug use on their children. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)