A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics has revealed a concerning trend: nearly 19 million children in the United States, approximately one in every four under the age of 18, live with at least one parent who has a substance use disorder and have addiction in families. The study, which analyzed data from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, shows significantly higher numbers than previous estimates, partly due to updated diagnostic criteria.
The findings underscore a widespread public health issue with deep social and emotional consequences. Among the 19 million affected children, 7.6 million have a parent struggling with moderate to severe addiction in families, while 3.4 million live in households where a parent has multiple substance use disorders. Alarmingly, over 6 million children are growing up in environments where a parent is grappling with both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition.
Alcohol Leads as Primary Substance of Concern of Addiction in families
Alcohol remains the most common substance involved in these cases, contributing to the highest number of substance-related deaths in the U.S., according to Dr. Scott Hadland, Chief of Adolescent Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. The study’s authors emphasize that children exposed to addiction in families are at greater risk of developing emotional and behavioral issues, physical injuries, and even substance use problems of their own.
Experts warn that the effects of growing up in such environments can be long-lasting. Yet, despite the risks, most parents struggling with addiction in families do not seek treatment often due to stigma, fear, or a lack of access to care. These barriers hinder early intervention and exacerbate the cycle of addiction within families.
Pediatricians, therefore, play a vital role in identifying these at-risk families. Dr. Hadland emphasizes that healthcare providers must be diligent in screening for substance use in the home and connecting families to appropriate resources. The American Academy of Pediatrics already recommends regular screening for parental substance use as part of developmental assessments in pediatric clinics, a practice becoming more widely adopted across the country.
Funding Cuts Threaten Key Data Collection
While the study highlights a pressing national issue, the future of the survey that produced this critical data remains uncertain. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which has long served as a cornerstone for public health research, is now in jeopardy due to budget cuts at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
In April, SAMHSA laid off the entire workforce responsible for the survey, raising concerns about the continuity of data collection and monitoring. Public health experts fear that the loss of this resource could hamper efforts to understand and address substance use trends, particularly as they affect vulnerable populations such as children.
As the number of children living with addicted parents continues to grow, researchers and healthcare professionals stress the urgent need for policy support, funding, and comprehensive care systems. Without continued data and resources, addressing this silent crisis may become even more difficult.
