Many parents are unaware of the psychological and physical effects of parental dependence. They believe that they are doing the right thing for their children and implement manipulative power plays and unsettling control tactics. Moreover, they feel hurt whenever they receive criticism or feedback from someone. The only way to help them cope with their condition is to recognize parental dependence and get help for the child. This article will provide information on the psychological and physical consequences of parental dependence and how to treat a dependent child.
Effects of parental drug use on children
There are many negative consequences of parental drug use on children. Children in drug-abusing homes often feel neglected and unsafe. These children may develop mental and physical illnesses that are largely related to the substance. They may experience severe guilt and self-blame as a result of their parent’s drug use. Moreover, they might experience dysfunctional attachments as adults. Children may end up in foster care as a result of these harmful effects.
In addition to the consequences for children themselves, the use of substance abuse may also affect other family members. Children of parents who abuse drugs and alcohol are likely to have a harder time adjusting to normal life, and relatives of drug users are less likely to make the necessary changes to their homes to protect their children. This could lead to a whole host of unintentional injuries, from cuts to scrapes. Furthermore, children exposed to parental drug use are more susceptible to physical abuse and maltreatment.
Genetic factors that contribute to addiction in children
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute have linked a gene to drug addiction and learning and memory. Mice with low levels of this gene took longer to learn the maze and were more sensitive to cocaine. Researchers hope to better understand the biological and behavioral mechanisms underlying addiction. Until that time, more research is needed to determine what these genes mean for human behavior. Genetics can play a major role in drug addiction, so researchers should find out which genes are associated with addictive behavior.
Other researchers believe that there are genetic and environmental factors that contribute to substance use in children. Researchers have studied the relationship between parental alcoholism and substance abuse and found that children from parents who used drugs and alcohol were at higher risk for addiction than those who did not. However, other researchers are skeptical of such studies. This is because genetic studies of substance use disorders are limited, and genetic nonadditiveness may mask the environmental factors associated with alcoholism and drug dependence.
Psychological effects of parental dependence on children
Studies have shown that parental alcohol and drug dependence is associated with greater risk of behavioral and emotional problems in children. The association between parental alcohol and drug dependence and risk for children’s attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is even stronger. Parents who use drugs and alcohol during pregnancy or during early childhood are also at increased risk of developing these disorders. These findings have not yet been replicated in children of parents with other psychopathologies, such as depression and anxiety.
Although the effect of parenting styles and levels on children has been studied, the relationship between parental characteristics and child behavior is still not fully understood. While some studies have shown an association between parental characteristics and children’s behavior, more research is needed to identify the precise mechanism that is responsible for the relationship. Parents who report being authoritative and responsive to children’s needs and wishes have a lower risk of developing antisocial behaviors. The same applies to children whose parents report feeling more independent and assertive.
Treatment options for dependent children
There are several different treatment options available for children whose parents are suffering from dependency. Treatment for such children may include residential family treatment programs that cater to the needs of women who have dependent children. Many of these residential treatment programs include various levels of care for children, such as onsite day care, educational services, and a safe place for the children to stay while their parents are in treatment. Many of these programs also include a parent group or parent-child therapy, which helps both parents and children work through the problem together.