Psychosocial Functioning and Treatment Needs of Latency-Age Children from Drug-Involved Families

Abstract

Though the psychosocial needs of children from alcoholic families are well-documented, the effects of parental use of illicit drugs such as heroin and cocaine on the psychosocial development of latency-age children are relatively unexplored. The authors examine the current literature on these effects and, drawing on this literature, propose preventive intervention for children at this developmental stage.

A Family Perspective for Substance Abuse: Implications from the Literature

“…Children may experience anger, anxiety, or fear about their parents and about what will happen to them. Fear of abandonment, helplessness, hopelessness, and even guilt over not interceding to prevent their parent's alcohol or drug uses are not uncommon among latency age children (Dore, Kauffman, & Nelson-Zlupko, 1996;Murray, 1989).…”

“…aggression, poor school performance, and reduced sense of self-efficacy (Dore et al, 1996). The impact of parental substance abuse on cognitive functioning, as it manifests in academic performance may be related to deficits in parent supervision and schoolwork monitoring.…”

The Child in the Family of a Drug-Using Father: Attachment Styles and Family Characteristics

“…Drug abusing parents frequently model impulsivity and an inability to delay gratification or cope with frustration (Dore et al, 1996;Gabel & Schindledecker, 1992;Scherling, 1994). Drug addicts are often moody, difficult to comprehend, and may cause constant anxiety to the child who must anticipate when the parent is likely to become violent or self-destructive.…”

“…Clinical studies have emphasized dysfunctional internal and external boundaries (Isaacson, 1991;MacKensen & Cottone, 1992), poor communication skills, low expressiveness, and high rate of family conflict (Crnkovic & DelCampo, 1998;Hogan, 1998;Isaacson, 1991); chaotic or rigid interaction patterns (Dore, Kauffman, & Nelson-Zlupko, 1996; National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (NCCAN), 1994); and role distortion and role reversal (Bekir, McLellan, Childress, & Gariti, 1993;Cook, 1991;Dore, Kauffman, & Nelson-Zlupko, 1996). Low levels of family competence and adverse family environment have also been noted (Crnkovic & DelCampo, 1998;Sheridan, 1995).…”

Toxicomanie et maternité

“…Une approche psychosociale a été privilégiée en contre partie de l'axe biomédical qui avait été dominant dans ces études qui s'attardent aux risques pour la santé physique et le développement de l'enfant associés à l'exposition intra-utérine aux substances psychoactives (Dore et al, 1996). L'expérience maternelle est en effet une dimension clé pour une meilleure compréhension des comportements des mères toxicomanes et une organisation effi cace des services de soutien auprès d'elles.…”