Being born to a parent addicted to drugs or alcohol can affect a child from the time they are in the womb all the way to adulthood.
Before a child is even conceived, there are genetic factors at play. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, genetics accounts for about half of a person’s vulnerability to addiction. If the mother uses drugs or alcohol during pregnancy, there are a variety of medical and developmental problems that may occur in the child. Nicotine can cause low birth weight, increased weight as older children and adults, respiratory problems in infancy, and asthma. Exposure to cocaine in the womb can lead to an increased risk of seizures, depression, schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s disease as adults. Intellectual disabilities are also common.
The environment in which a child is raised can cause its own sets of problems. Addiction tends to begin in childhood, while the brain is still maturing, and decision-making skills aren’t fully developed. A poor home life, particularly one where a parent or older relative is a drug user, increases the odds that a child will grow up with a substance use problem. One study found that maltreated or abused children are seven times more likely to use drugs or alcohol by age 12. Whether they are just following in a parent’s footsteps of feel like they have no other options in life, these children undoubtedly start life at a disadvantage.
Apart from the direct physical and mental effects of drug use, children of addicted parents face a unique set of challenges. Often, in families where a parent has a substance abuse problem, the caregiver roles are reversed. This might include cleaning up after a parent who comes home intoxicated and vomits or stumbles around and breaks things. For older children, it might mean being forced to take on a job – sometimes even to the point of dropping out of school – to help keep a roof over their heads. These kids often miss out on many milestones of childhood. Without an attentive parent, there’s no one to plan birthday parties or drive kids to afterschool activities or other children’s houses. The child may be too embarrassed to invite friends over to their own house, either because it’s a mess or because the addicted parent might be at home and cause awkward or embarrassing encounters.
The emotional and mental stress of having to care for themselves and for intoxicated parents can harm a child’s brain development. These children might grow up lacking the social skills to interact with their peers. They may also do poorly in school, because of lack of help at home or frequent absences, leading to trouble finding work or being accepted to college in the future.
If you or a loved one need help to quit drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949-438-4504).
