The Relationship Between Parental Alcohol/ Drug Abuse and Child Abuse

The relationship between parental alcohol, or other drug problems and child maltreatment is becoming increasingly evident.  And the risk to the child increases in a single parent household where there is no supporting adult to diffuse parental stress and protect the child from the effects of the parent’s problem.  The following is a summary of what we know.

What is the scope of the problem?

Both alcohol and drug problems are widespread in this country. Almost 14 million adult Americans abuse alcohol.  The number of illicit drug users exceeds 12 million. Illicit drugs include marijuana, cocaine, inhalants, hallucinogens, heroin, and non-medical use of psychotherapeutics.  With more than 6.6 million children under the age of 18 living in alcoholic households, and an additional number of children living in households where parents have problems with illicit drugs, a significant number of children in this country are being raised by addicted parents.

Child maltreatment has become a national epidemic.  More than one million children are confirmed each year as victims of child abuse and neglect by state child protective service agencies.  Every day at least three children die as a result of abuse and neglect.  State child welfare records indicate that substance abuse is one of the top two problems exhibited by families in 81% of the reported cases.

Do parental alcohol or other drug problems cause child maltreatment?

Recent research on the connection between these problems and child maltreatment clearly indicates a connection between the two behaviors.  Among confirmed cases of child maltreatment, 40% involve the use of alcohol or other drugs.  This suggests that of the 1.2 million confirmed victims of child maltreatment, and estimated 480,000 children are mistreated each year by a caretaker with alcohol or other drug problems.  Additionally, research suggests neglect.  In fact, neglect is a major reason that children are removed from a home in which parents have alcohol or other drug problems.  Children in these homes suffer from a variety of physical, mental, and emotional health problems at a greater rate than do children in the general population. 

What characteristics do parents with alcohol and other drug problems and parents involved in child maltreatment share? Histories of these parents reveal that typically both were reared with a lack of parental nurturing and appropriate modeling and often grew up in disruptive homes.  Family life in these households also has similarities.  The children in often lack guidance, positive role modeling, and live in isolation.  Frequently, they suffer from depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.  They live in an atmosphere of stress and family conflict.  Children raised in both households are themselves more likely to have problems with alcohol and other drugs.
How can we prevent these problems? Prevention education for all children, adolescents, and young adults. Direct access to supportive services for all children of parents with alcohol or other drug problems before children maltreatment occurs. Access to self-help groups and other supportive services for all parents under stress and all victims and survivors of abuse. Education of all who work with children and families. GEMINUS Call Access to Recovery for help with Substance Abuse (219) 757-1831 or COMMUNITY PARTNERS 866-641-7181   Office Location Contact Person: Lynn Williams, Facilitator Healthy East Chicago, Inc. 100 W. Chicago Avenue East Chicago, IN   46312 Toll Free #:  866-641-7181 Hours: Monday: Wednesday: Friday: 8:30 A.M. – 10:30 noon 12:00 noon – 2:00 P.M. 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.   Parent Support Group Contact Person: Lynn Williams Bessie Owens Center 4001 Alexander Avenue East Chicago, IN   46312 (219) 391-8478 Groups:  Tuesdays:   6:00 – 7:30 P.M.