Parental substance abuse is, for many children, a very real issue. Growing up with alcoholic parents or a constant presence of drug abuse can be very detrimental to children. If you are struggling with parents with addiction, it is important to know that help is available.
Sound Recovery Centers offers support for individuals who are wondering how to deal with alcoholic parents and drug abuse. We can treat you or your loved one and help you find the best path forward.
What Is Parental Substance Abuse?
Parental substance abuse is the misuse of drugs or alcohol by a parent. This can include using substances in a way that is illegal, unhealthy, or unsafe. It can also include misusing prescription medications.
Children of alcoholic parents and those who struggle with drug abuse often experience several hardships and challenges that other children do not. They may feel as though they had to grow up too early and did not get to truly enjoy being a child.
These feelings are valid and can have a serious impact on the relationship between the children and their addicted parent(s). In these cases, both parties need to get the treatment and support they need to have a healthy relationship.
Is Substance Abuse the Same Thing as Addiction?
While addiction involves substance abuse, these terms do not refer to the same thing. Substance abuse is the harmful or unhealthy use of a substance, which can be legal or illegal. It involves using a substance in a problematic way. This might include neglecting responsibilities, damaging relationships, or experiencing health issues.
Addiction is a chronic disease affecting a person’s brain and behavior. It is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, particularly even when this use has negative consequences. Addiction involves changes in the brain’s reward system. This makes it difficult to control the urge to use the substance.
What Are the Most Commonly Abused Substances?
There are many substances that can be abused, both legal and illegal. Currently, some of the most commonly abused substances in the U.S. include:
- Alcohol: Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the United States. Adults over 21 can legally drink alcohol, but underage drinking and binge drinking are serious problems.
- Tobacco: Tobacco use is a major risk factor for many issues, including addiction. The most common include cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and diabetes.
- Cannabis (Marijuana): Despite being legal in some states, marijuana can still be abused. It is currently one of the most commonly used drugs in the United States.
- Prescription Opioids: Prescription opioids are powerful pain relievers that can be addictive when not used as prescribed. The misuse of these drugs has contributed significantly to the opioid epidemic currently affecting the U.S.
- Stimulants: Stimulants are medications commonly prescribed to treat issues like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. However, they can also be abused and can lead to addiction.
- Cocaine: Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug. This drug can cause a variety of serious health problems but is still heavily abused throughout the U.S.
- Heroin: Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug. It has become increasingly commonly abused throughout the U.S. over the years and serves as another key contributor to the opioid epidemic.
It is important to keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of addictive substances. There are many other substances that can be abused. If you are concerned about your own substance use or someone else’s, it is important to seek help. Professional treatment centers like ours can provide the support you or a loved one needs.
How Many Children Live with Parents Who Abuse Substances?
According to the 2015-2019 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, an estimated 21.6 million children lived with a parent who misused any substance in the past year. Of these cases, approximately two million of these children lived with a parent with a fully-fledged substance use disorder.
The National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children estimates that 1 in 8 children live in a household with at least one parent who has a substance use disorder. These numbers paint an unfortunate picture of the reality of many children in the U.S. who come from these homes.
How Does Parental Substance Abuse Affect Children?
Parental substance abuse can have a profound impact on children. Exposure to substance abuse from an early age can affect their well-being in various ways. Children who have parents with drug addiction or alcohol problems often struggle from a very young age. These issues can oftentimes translate into bigger problems as they grow older and go off on their own.
Immediate Effects
There are several immediate effects that parents with alcohol addiction and drug abuse issues can have on their children. This includes emotional and behavioral issues such as:
- Anxiety and Depression: Parental substance abuse can cause anxiety and depression in children. The unpredictable nature of the home environment and the emotional unavailability of the parent can create feelings of insecurity and sadness.
- Behavioral Problems: Acting out, aggression, and difficulty concentrating in school are common issues. Children may lash out due to frustration or act withdrawn as a coping mechanism.
- Low Self-Esteem: Witnessing a parent struggle with addiction can lead to negative feelings such as shame and worthlessness in children. They may blame themselves for the situation or feel like they are not good enough.
Parental substance abuse can also lead to developmental issues in their children, such as:
- Academic Problems: Difficulties focusing, attending school regularly, and completing homework can lead to falling behind academically.
- Social Problems: Children may struggle to form healthy friendships due to feelings of shame or insecurity. They might avoid bringing friends home or withdraw from social activities.
- Neglect: Basic needs like healthy meals, proper hygiene, and emotional support may be neglected when a parent is preoccupied with substance abuse.
Long-term Effects
In addition to these short-term effects, parental substance abuse can often have long-term consequences. Some of the most common long-term problems associated with parental addictions include:
- Increased Risk of Substance Abuse: Children of parents who struggle with substance abuse problems are more likely to develop these issues themselves. They may see this behavior as normal or use substances to cope with their difficult emotions.
- Mental Health Problems: Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues throughout life.
- Relationship Issues: Children may struggle to form healthy, trusting relationships in adulthood due to early experiences in an unstable home environment.
It is important to remember that these are not inevitable consequences. With support and resources, children of parents with substance abuse can overcome these challenges and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Substance Abuse During Pregnancy
Substance abuse during pregnancy refers to the use of illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco by a pregnant woman. This can have serious consequences for both the mother and the developing fetus.
Risks of Substance Abuse During Pregnancy
There are many risks associated with substance abuse during pregnancy, both for the parent and the baby. Some of the most common risks include:
- Miscarriage: Substance abuse can increase the risk of miscarriage. This refers to the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks.
- Preterm Birth: Babies born too early (before 37 weeks) are more likely to have health problems.
- Low Birth Weight: Babies born too small are likelier to have health problems. These issues can persist both in the short term and the long term.
- Birth Defects: Substance abuse can cause a variety of congenital disabilities, depending on the substance used.
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): Babies born to mothers who abuse opioids or other substances may experience NAS. This is when the baby experiences withdrawal from the substance they were exposed to in the womb.
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Substance abuse, particularly smoking, is a risk factor for SIDS. This refers to the sudden death of a baby in their sleep.
- Long-Term Developmental Problems: Children exposed to substances in the womb may have developmental problems. This can include issues with learning, behavior, and memory.
The Role of Genetics In Addiction
Genetics plays a significant role in addiction. Of course, it is not the sole determinant. Studies suggest that genetics account for 40-60% of a person’s risk of addiction. This means genes can make you more or less susceptible to developing an addiction if exposed to addictive substances.
Addiction is not caused by a single gene. Rather, it is caused by variations in multiple genes. These genes influence factors like brain chemistry, reward processing, and impulse control. Substance abuse can have similar effects and interactions, making it easier for these individuals to fall into addictive patterns.
Where Can Families Affected By Substance Abuse Get Help?
Families affected by substance abuse can find help from a variety of resources. Many treatment centers offer family programs. These can help families understand addiction, as well as learn how to support their loved ones in recovery.
Recovery Support Groups
Support groups like Al-Anon for families of alcoholics and Nar-Anon for families of people with an addiction provide a safe space for families. These spaces offer them many opportunities. They can share their experiences, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and gain strength from others who understand what they are going through.
Addiction Treatment Centers
Addiction treatment centers like Sound Recovery offer a safe and structured environment for you or your loved one to recover from a substance use disorder. We provide a full continuum of substance abuse treatment services from detox to aftercare.
We also incorporate various evidence-based and holistic therapies into our treatment approach. This lets us provide you with the personalized and comprehensive care you need for long-term recovery.
Family Resources
There are many websites and online resources that offer information and support for families of people with substance abuse problems. Whether you are looking for help for yourself or a parent, Sound Recovery Centers can provide you with the necessary tools and resources.
Our family therapy services can help you understand the impacts of addiction on both yourself and your loved ones. You will work with licensed therapists to build healthier communication skills and heal relationships broken by substance abuse.
Our admissions team is available 24/7 to answer all your recovery questions. We will help you get started on the path to recovery as soon as possible. Reach out to us to learn more about our treatment programs today.
