CASA: Parents Put Kids at Risk of AddictionMarch 31, 2005
Research Summary
Many children in the U.S. are at higher risk of addiction and physical or mental illness because their parents either smoke, use illicit drugs, or abuse alcohol, according to a report from the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA).The "Family Matters: Substance Abuse and the American Family" white paper said that 13 percent of U.S. children under age 18 live in homes where parents use illicit drugs, 24 percent have parents who are binge drinkers or heavy drinkers, and 37 percent live with parents who smoke or use other tobacco products.
"Kids don't read their parents' lips, they watch their parents' actions. That's what makes the findings in the paper such a tragedy," said CASA Chairman Joseph A. Califano, Jr. "Too many parents set examples that increase the risk their children will smoke, use illegal drugs and abuse alcohol. Children of substance abusing parents are much likelier to become substance abusers themselves."
The report details a litany associated with parental alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, including increased risk of child abuse and neglect, accidents, injuries, academic failure, conduct disorders, depression, and anxiety. Those living with smokers are more likely to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or develop asthma, tonsillitis, or ear infections.
"If substance abusing parents are not concerned about what drugs, alcohol and tobacco are doing to themselves, they should be concerned about the ill effects they have on their children," said Califano. "This should serve as a powerful incentive for parents to seek the treatment they need."
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