One-fourth of children have a parent struggling with substance abuse, according to recent research findings.
Rewritten Article:
Over 19 Million Kids in the US With Parents Battling Substance Abuse
A staggering 1 in 4 children in the USA are dealing with the aftermath of a parent's substance abuse issue, according to a groundbreaking study published in JAMA Pediatrics. This alarming statistic equates to an astounding 19 million kids grappling with the repercussions of their parents' addiction.
"I'm an addiction specialist, and I can't help but think about this issue constantly," remarks Dr. Scott Hadland, chief of adolescent medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. "Even still, I must admit I was taken aback by the sheer magnitude of this issue."
The study, which utilized data from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health—a federal survey that estimates substance use and mental health disorders according to the latest diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5)—dwarfs previous estimates (7 million, as outlined in a study from 2022). The survey is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, but recent reductions in the workforce have raised concerns about its future.
"We also discovered that approximately 7.6 million children live with a parent who has a moderate or severe substance abuse disorder," says lead researcher, Sean Esteban McCabe, director of the Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health at the University of Michigan. "And 3.4 million children inhabit a household where their parent struggles with several substance use disorders."
Furthermore, the study estimates that more than 6 million children have a parent diagnosed with a comorbid mental health condition alongside their substance abuse disorder.
"These numbers offer invaluable insights regarding the extent of parental substance abuse in the United States," observes Dr. Davida Schiff, a pediatrician and addiction medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital.
An interesting finding from the study, accordings to Schiff, is that the majority (over 6 million) of the affected parents grapple with alcohol use disorder. "Although alcohol is generally perceived as more socially acceptable in our culture, the study underscores the need for enhanced vigilance towards a rising number of children exposed to parental alcohol use disorder."
"It's essential to keep in mind that alcohol is actually the leading cause of substance-related deaths in the United States," says Hadland. "Surprisingly, alcohol kills more people annually than opioids, but the former's death rate is slower and manifested as a chronic disease that impairs the liver and increases the risk of cancer."
Children of parents struggling with addiction are at an increased risk of various physical and mental health issues. Young kids in homes impacted by parental substance abuse disorder (SUD) are more prone to impaired caregiving, disruptions in parental abilities, unintentional ingestions, and witnessing parental overdose, Schiff notes.
Additionally, children with parents struggling with SUD are more likely to develop certain mental health conditions and substance use problems over the long term. To address these concerns, Hadland asserts that pediatricians should routinely screen children for mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and ADHD, which arenow known to be more prevalent among kids with parents afflicted by substance abuse.
"The American Academy of Pediatrics advises pediatricians to inquire about family substance use to educate families about the risks of substance abuse and connect them with appropriate treatment services as needed," Hadland points out.
Pediatric clinics affiliated with Mass General Brigham in the Boston area integrate developmental screenings that address parental substance use, Schiff confirms. For parents struggling with addiction, she suggests discussing safe storage of substances, identifying a reliable, sober caregiver during active use, and providing naloxone training in case of accidental ingestions.
Parents with infants battling addiction are advised to avoid breastfeeding following substance use. Furthermore, safe sleep practices should be discussed to prevent sleep-related injuries and infant suffocation.
"Three-fourths of people suffering from substance abuse disorders do not seek treatment," McCabe reminds us. "Children in households where parents do not seek help are less likely to access treatment themselves. As healthcare providers serving children, it's crucial for us to comprehend the implications of these numbers and design programs to cater to the unique needs of these children."
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Enrichment Data:- Updates and Trends: Compared to previous estimates, this study notes a significant increase in the number of children impacted by parental substance abuse. This new data highlights the persistent growth in the prevalence of substance use disorders and emphasizes the need for continued efforts in prevention and treatment.- The Impact of Substance Use on Mental Health: The study underscores the fact that children of parents struggling with substance abuse are at an elevated risk of developing various mental health conditions and substance use issues in the long run. As healthcare professionals, understanding these connections and addressing potential mental health concerns early on can help improve the lives of these children and promote overall well-being.- Barriers to Treatment: The study sheds light on the fact that many parents struggling with substance abuse disorders do not seek treatment. Healthcare providers can help overcome these barriers by extending support, encouragement, and access to resources thatPromote early identification and connection to treatment programs, ultimately benefiting families and children affected by substance abuse.
- The report in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that over 19 million children in the United States are affected by a parent's substance abuse issue, a significant increase from previous estimates.
- Children living with parents who struggle with substance abuse disorders face an increased risk of developing various mental health conditions and substance use problems in the long term.
- To address the unique needs of these children, healthcare providers should routinely screen children for mental health issues and encourage early identification and connection to treatment programs.
- The government, health-and-wellness organizations, and mental health professionals should work together to combat the barriers to treatment for parents struggling with substance abuse, ensuring access to therapies-and-treatments and promoting overall family health.
