Living with parents with problematic substance use: Impacts and turning points

Growing up in an environment where substance use is prevalent creates a climate for adverse childhood experiences. These experiences can contribute to mental and psychological problems later in life.

This study used an exploratory study design to explore the experiences of individuals whose upbringing was influenced by substance use at home or who had parents with addiction problems.

Four themes shaped the participants' lives: (1) impact of substance use at home on children; (2) school influences on substance use; (3) aggravating traumatic life experiences, and d) rebuilding a battered life.

Growing up in homes with addictions created an environment for traumatic events and encounters. Participants adopted diverse strategies to cope with these experiences, such as leaving home, using substances early in life, and dropping out of school. Screening and intervention for childhood trauma should be encouraged both in schools and community health settings. Such interventions can reduce substance use among school children to deal with ensuing trauma.