Drug Endangered Children
Safe home environments are critical for a child’s health. Drug-endangered children are
Growing up in a home where adult(s) have severe addiction or substance abuse problems can cause short- and long-term consequences for children. Children who live in homes where drugs are made are at risk of harm due to environmental hazards associated with drug labs (e.g., explosions, fires, harmful chemicals and precursor drugs, filthy homes, and lack of hygiene.) Drug-endangered children are also at risk of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect; including failure to nurture, supervise, provide meals, and provide sanitary and safe living conditions, schooling, and medical care.
Children of addicted parents have the highest risk to become alcohol and drug abusers‹due to both genetic and family environment factors.
Children from families of addiction often live with a great deal of stress and unpredictability in their daily lives. They respond to their experiences in deeply personal ways. For example, they may
Below are some of the possible outcomes of drug-endangered children. It is important to note, however, that these effects can be caused by other reasons than just substance abuse, and the presence of one or more of these concerns is not in itself sufficient reason to suspect substance abuse in the home.
Educational challenges for drug-endangered children may include learning disabilities, preoccupation, tiredness, poor school attendance, frequent change of schools, and retention in grade. These challenges may result in consequences such as truancy, delinquency, pregnancy, dropping out, expulsion, and involvement with the criminal justice system.
For more information on Substance Abuse issues:
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Admin., US DOHHS- Treatment Facility Locator