Study Reveals High Rates of Parental Substance Use Disorders in US Children
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics indicates that nearly 19 million children in the United States, or about one in four under 18, live with at least one parent who has a substance use disorder. This number is significantly higher than previous estimates, which were based on outdated diagnostic criteria. The research relied on data from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
- Among those 19 million, roughly 7.6 million children have a parent with moderate to severe addiction, while around 3.4 million are living with a parent facing multiple substance-use disorders. Additionally, the study found that over 6 million children have a parent struggling with both a substance use disorder and mental health issues.
Most of the identified parental substance-use disorders revolve around alcohol, which Dr. Scott Hadland, chief of adolescent medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, notes is still the leading cause of substance-related deaths in the country.
- Experts suggest that children exposed to parental addiction may be at a greater risk of physical accidents, mental health disorders, and may even develop substance use problems themselves. Unfortunately, many parents with such issues often don’t seek help due to barriers like stigma.
- Hadland emphasizes the importance of pediatricians being proactive in screening families and referring them to treatment when needed. The American Academy of Pediatrics advocates for routine screenings for substance use within families, and several clinics have started to inquire about parental substance use during developmental assessments.
- However, the continuity of the survey from which this data was gathered is uncertain following a recent cutback in workforce. A recent report mentioned that the entire staff was laid off in April due to budget constraints at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
