Mom and Dad: Help yourself to help your children
A National Institutes of Health research alert is sounding an alarm about the estimated number of children who live with parents suffering from a substance use disorder (SUD).
The facts: In 2023, almost 19 million children under age 18 lived with one or more parent with an SUD. That's one-fourth of all kids in the country! Almost half of those kids are contending with a parent who is moderately or severely dependent on alcohol or drugs, and almost that many live with a parent who is mentally ill and has an SUD. Alcohol is the number one substance that is abused, followed by cannabis, prescription drugs and then illicit drugs like heroin.
This means that kids often suffer from a lack of attention to their physical and emotional needs, and contend with a lack of food, inattention to their schooling, and exposure to toxic substances. This can lead to problems with impulse control and impaired cognitive development, as well as a weakened immune system and the risk of developing an SUD themselves.
If you know (or know in your heart, but don't admit it) that you're struggling with an SUD, it's time to create a healthier life for your kids and for yourself. Available resources to help you and your family include 10-step programs, findtreatment.gov, and SAMHSA's national helpline at 1-800-662-4357. GLP-1 medications also might help. Talk to your doc.
To help your children, contact the National Association for Children of Addiction at nacoa.org. And for information and support for improving your health, check out the free newsletter a LongevityPlaybook.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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