Children Affected by Alcohol or Other Drug Use
About 1 in 4 children in the United States grow up in homes where family members abuse alcohol or other drugs.
Although no family struggling with addiction is the same, they share some common characteristics, such as higher levels of conflict, and lower levels of family cohesion. Impaired problem-solving ability and hostile communication are observed both in addicted families and in families struggling with other problems.
From Our Collection
Long-Term Effects on Children
Children who grow up with parents or other family members who abuse alcohol or other drugs may be at risk for a range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems. Genetics may also play a role in these problems. However, some children function well and do not develop serious problems.
Children with addicted parents are less likely to become addicts as adults when their parents consistently set and follow through on plans and maintain such rituals as holidays and regular mealtimes.
Psychoeducational groups, support groups such as Alateen, and supportive adults (grandparents, mentors, teachers, counselors), may benefit children from addicted families.
Sources: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and National Association for Children of Alcoholics.
Self-Help Groups
Apps
CheckDEC Mobile App
The CheckDEC Mobile App connects children, families and professionals to services and resources in their local community that are supportive of the family's wide-ranging needs. Provided free by the National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children.
Videos
Podcasts
Trainings
- Exploring Emotions for Kids of All Ages: An Inside Out Perspective (NACOA)
- Groupwork with COAs: Challenges and Opportunities (NACOA)
- National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children Online Training Courses
- Parental Addiction: Healing Families Together Webinar, Part 2
- The Child's Voice: How Parental Addiction Affects Young Children Webinar, Part 1
- Yale Child Study Center Grand Rounds: Addiction, Adversity and Attachment — Supporting Families Impacted by Parental Substance Use
Curricula & Lesson Plans
- Celebrating Families
From the National Association for Children of Addiction (NACOA)
- Karli and Me: Activity Book
A Sesame Street Workshop