Neglected Family

“The Neglected Ones” According to The website titled “The Center on Addiction and the Family” 1 in 4 children in the United Sates is exposed to alcohol abuse and or dependency in the family at some point before age 18. Astounding as these numbers are they are preventable. There are essentially two types of AOD (alcohol and other drug) exposures children face prenatal and interpersonal both can have dramatic effects on these children. Interpersonal exposure from parental AOD use can effect a child’s social and psychological development. However, these effects may vary. “Substance Abuse” fourth edition reports, “This is due to individual and environmental differences including age of exposure, progression of use, characteristics of the child
and the AOD abuser, family dynamics, and external events.” The impact of interpersonal and environmental exposure to AOD’s are often reflected in these children’s school work, hygiene, concentration, socialization, and attitudes towards others in charge. When parental substance abuse is a factor there are several signs and symptoms these children may display.
First, sufferers may look unkempt or just inappropriate, as they are sometimes neglected by the drug or alcohol abusing parent. Monday is often the “sloppy day.” Children may come to school late as they are usually taking care of themselves and often times even others in the home. Preparing breakfast, making sure younger siblings get off to school and cleaning up after the substance abusing parent. Second, these children may talk about witnessing violent or abusive situations at home. In the textbook “Substance Abuse” fourth edition it states that “Families often invoke rules such as “Don’t talk, don’t trust, and don’t feel.” Substance abusing parents believe that by invoking this motto it prevents people outside the family from knowing what is going on inside the family. Third, Academic performance may suffer because these children can’t help but worry about their home life and their substance abusing parent. On the COAF web site the interesting point was noted that towards the end of the school day often times the children begin to worry about going back home. Fourth, Schools and teachers have reported the children effected by substance abusing parents frequently may seem depressed or withdrawn often times exhibiting behavioral problems. Some examples of these behaviors might be complaining of stomachaches, headaches or other physical ailments, with no explainable
cause or purpose. Additionally, parents may be hard to reach or unreliable for attending normal parent required meetings or appointments often time because they were drunk or high. “Substance Abuse” fourth edition states, “Some children will not develop significant problems.
Therefore it would be unwise to assume that all children who experience AOD abuse in their families of origin will exhibit similar behaviors. However, studies have shown that children who grow up in homes where AOD‘s are abused often view themselves as worthless, can feel unimportant as a result of being consistently rejected, and may feel responsible for their parents substance abuse.” Alcoholism and other drug addiction have genetic and environmental causes. Both have serious consequences for children who live in homes where parents are involved. The web site Hope Networks.org states “More than 28 million Americans are children of alcoholics; nearly 11 million are under the age of 18. This figure is magnified by the countless number of others who are affected by parents who are impaired by other psychoactive drugs.” Alcoholism and other drug addiction tend to run in families. This puts children of addicted parents at more risk for alcoholism and other drug abuse. Hope Networks.org also reports that, “Biological children of alcohol dependent parents who have been adopted continue to have an increased risk of developing alcoholism.” Additionally they also stated that recent studies suggest a strong genetic component, particularly for early onset of alcoholism in males. Sons of alcoholic fathers are at fourfold risk compared with the male offspring of non-alcoholic fathers.”
Children of addicted parents also exhibit symptoms of depression and anxiety more than children do from non-addicted families. This puts them at risk for elevated rates of psychiatric and psychosocial dysfunction, as well as for alcoholism. Hope Network.org reports, “A sample of children hospitalized for psychiatric disorders demonstrated that more than 50% were children of addicted parents.” Equally important, these children have a higher rate of behavior problems. A study was reported by Hope Networks.org that reveals when comparing children of alcoholics (aged6-17 years) with children of psychiatrically healthy medical patients found that children of alcoholics had elevated rates of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) measured against the control group of children.” Consequently this shows that children of addicted parents demonstrate behavioral characteristics and a temperament style that predisposes them to future complications.