Good parenting is essential for the growth of a child. However, recent studies have shown that good parenting is often compromised in parents with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). 8.7 million children are living in such households and recent studies reveal that these children are significantly harmed by their home environments, being associated with poor mental health and academic performance.
A study in the AAP Journal found that children of parents with SUD are often neglected and have lower health outcomes than those with non-SUD parents. These children often do not receive routine health checkups and care, which may cause children to experience depression and low self-esteem. They may also exhibit aggressive behavior and struggle in social interactions. The stress they experience at home increases the risk of developing physical illnesses such as enteritis, colitis, and asthma. The lack of social security may also lead to an overall distrust of authority figures.
Children living with parents suffering from SUD often experience depression and lack strong social skills.
Image Source: Phil Boorman
The effects of SUD on children at home also affects them academically. Children living with parents who have SUD also show poorer academic performance compared to other students. Children have shorter attention spans and experience educational delays. Many showed low grades, truancy, and high drop-out rates. In a survey conducted by the government, children of parents who have SUD often live in rural households and come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. By doing poorly in school, children lose their path for social mobility and become stuck in the same environment as the one they grew up in. A recent study sheds light on problems of high school drop-outs, finding that high school drop-outs are more likely to regularly abuse drugs, such as alcohol and nicotine, and engage in criminal activity.
Due to the early exposure of drug use, Children raised by parents with SUD are also more likely to use drugs when faced with stressors. Adolescent children of parents with SUD have been associated with regular nicotine and marijuana use. Children of drug users are also 3-4 times more likely to become addicted to drugs themselves.
Parents play a pivotal role in their child’s development. Their actions heavily influence how their child behaves and the effects of drug misuse extend far beyond the child’s home. Drug use affects all aspects of one’s life, including family, and it is important to consider these consequences before acting.
Feature Image Source: Skitterphoto.
