Nearly 17 million children and adolescents in the United States are estimated to live with a parent who has a substance use disorder, according to a study led by Texas State University, University of Michigan and Wayne State University.
The study found that alcohol use disorder was the leading contributor, affecting 12.8 million children. Cannabis use disorder was the second most prevalent, affecting 5 million children, while prescription opioid use disorder affects more than 1 million children.
Of these categories, children may have parents who struggle with more than one substance use disorder. Parents with opioid use disorders also face higher risks of overdose, adding to the challenges these families face.
The research results are published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine.
Learn more about the study led by ORI faculty affiliate member Dr. Sean McCabe
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