A new study estimates that nearly 17 million children and teenagers in the United States live with a parent who has a substance-use disorder. The research, led by Texas State University, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University, highlights the growing impact of addiction on families.
The study found that alcohol-use disorder is the most common, affecting about 12.8 million children. Cannabis-use disorder follows, impacting around 5 million children. Prescription opioid-use disorder affects over 1 million children.
Some children have parents who struggle with more than one type of substance-use disorder, and those with opioid addiction face a higher risk of overdose, making the situation even more challenging.
The findings were published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine.
A Growing Problem
The estimated number of children affected by parental substance-use disorder has risen by 81% compared to earlier figures. This increase is largely due to changes in how substance-use disorders are diagnosed.
In the past, many parents who showed signs of addiction were not officially diagnosed under the older guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). The newer version, DSM-5, has updated definitions and criteria that allow more accurate diagnoses, leading to a clearer picture of the problem.
Ty Schepis, the study’s lead author and a professor of psychology at Texas State University, said the increase in numbers was unexpected. He emphasized that these children are at high risk not only for developing substance-use problems themselves but also for facing mental health struggles, legal troubles, and involvement with child welfare services.
Breaking the Cycle
Sean Esteban McCabe, a co-author of the study and a professor at the University of Michigan, hopes the findings will bring more attention to children living with addicted parents.
He noted that many children in this situation feel isolated, but the study shows they are not alone. His team is working on family-based programs to help break the cycle of addiction from one generation to the next.
McCabe also stressed the importance of reducing stigma. Many children feel ashamed or afraid to talk about their home life, which can prevent them from getting support. The study’s findings are being shared widely to increase awareness and encourage support for these children.
Support for Children Affected by Addiction
The study’s findings highlight the need for more programs to support children who live with a parent struggling with addiction. Organizations like Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind Sesame Street, are working to provide resources for young children affected by parental substance use.
Their programs focus on helping children understand addiction and offering support to caregivers, teachers, and other adults in their lives.
The rise in the number of children impacted by substance-use disorder makes it clear that more action is needed. Schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations all play a role in helping these children.
By increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and offering targeted support, there is hope that the cycle of addiction can be broken, giving these children a better chance for a healthy future.
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The research findings can be found in the Journal of Addiction Medicine.
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