Understanding the impact of family substance use on under 18s
The impact of family substance use on children and young people might not always be obvious. No family will be the same, and not all of them will experience all of the impacts listed here.
We’ve put together a list of some of the things to be aware of and watch out for when you are supporting someone with children.
It can affect their physical health
- Medical appointments and immunisations might be missed.
- Health needs might be missed by their parents.
- Drugs that aren’t stored safely could be a safety risk.
- Medical and dental checks could be missed.
- Daily routines and diets might not be healthy.
- Children might be impacted in other ways, eg. trouble sleeping and bedwetting.
- Early smoking, drinking and drug use are more likely. - Young people may be at greater risk of mental health issues such as self-harm and eating disorders.
- Smoking, drinking and drug use could increase even more. - Young people’s mental health could be negatively affected.
It can impact their education and development.
Children could struggle to meet age-appropriate milestones.
Nursery or pre-school attendance could be disrupted and irregular.
- School attendance could be disrupted and irregular.
- Children might have difficulty concentrating in class and show challenging behaviour.
- Parents might not be able to afford everything their children need for school.
- Children might experience bullying due to their circumstances.
- Challenging behaviour increases their risk of exclusion from school.
Young people may no longer engage with school and/or employment anymore.
Their relationships and sense of self can be affected.
Children could be left unattended for long periods. This can affect how they make attachments.
Substance use in the family can lead to children taking on responsibilities beyond their years.
- Children can develop poor self-esteem and blame themselves for an adult’s substance use.
- This can lead them to restrict their friendships.
Children often form inappropriate relationships eg. older friendship groups or intimate relationships with individuals older than them.
Poor self-image and low self-esteem.
It can impact their emotional and behavioural development
- Parents experiencing withdrawal may be irritable or tense, this can result in inappropriate responses towards the child.
- Emotional insecurity can lead children to be hyperactive, inattentive or aggressive.
- Hyperactivity, inattention, impulsivity, aggression, depression and anxiety can all start to develop at this age.
- Children could start to show learned behaviour such as violence or theft.
Children may be in denial of their own needs or feelings or feel that their feelings and needs do not matter.
- Children are at an increased risk of emotional disturbance and conduct disorders, including bullying.
- Increased risk of behaviour that could get them into legal trouble and trouble with authorities.
- Emotional problems may result in self-blame and guilt.
- Increased risk of challenging and self-destructive behaviour.
Alcohol and drug use within the family is not often spoken about. If you are working with someone whose drinking or drug use is affecting their child, the first step is to discuss it openly and honestly.
You can find our advice for talking to someone about their children by following the link below:
We have 20 services across the country that support children and young people who may have been affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use. You might sometimes hear these services called our ‘hidden harm’ services.
We empower children and young people to cope with difficult family situations and feel stronger in themselves.
We don’t judge anyone involved, and our services are confidential. We are not a part of social services.
Our services are a safe space for people to explore their feelings about a situation they might not feel they have much control over.
