How Substance Abuse Affects Children

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly 9 million children live in homes where at least one parent struggles with a substance use disorder. Children should be shielded and protected by their parents. Yet, when opioid addiction and substance abuse are the status quo, their impact on children cannot be underestimated. Because of the stressful and damaging experiences of drug use in the home, children are the silent victims. Substance abuse and its impacts on children include emotional, psychological and physical effects. Children exposed to opioid addiction can encounter emotions that they’re unable to verbalize. Drug use in the home has an undeniable influence on their ability to feel and express emotions appropriately. Drug abuse is defined by chaos. Growing up in a home where drug use is normal means that children miss out on a life of structure and stability. This can lead to many childhood psychological difficulties, such as: Sadly, a combination of mental health issues and hereditary addiction means that the children of those with substance use disorder are more prone to drug addiction themselves. The physical impact of drug addiction begins in the womb. When a mother uses drugs, these substances have many dangerous and potentially lethal effects on an unborn child. Some babies are born already addicted to drugs, which can lead to various physical and developmental issues in their early life and into adulthood. Even if a child is not born with drug exposure, substance abuse in the home can still have an intense physical effect on them. Knowing that their parent is involved in what they see as a bad activity can lead to stress-related symptoms, including: Your child’s future lies in your hands. If you are a parent and struggle with opioid addiction, don’t wait another day to get the help you need. Your child deserves a better life — and so do you. Please contact us today to learn how BAART Programs can help bring hope and healing to you and your family.Emotional Effects
Psychological Effects
Physical Effects
Help Is Available at BAART Programs