Substance use: The role of the health visitor in supporting families

Abstract

In 2011–12, there were an estimated 197 110 people in contact with drug-treatment services in England, of whom more than 50% were parents ( National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, 2012 ). This figure does not include the many more substance-dependent parents who are not accessing treatment. Substance misuse can have negative impacts on parenting, such as time spent away from children, lack of energy and prioritising the addiction over the needs of the child. Negative health outcomes for children include physical conditions such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and neonatal abstinence syndrome, visual problems, behaviour problems and increased risk of sudden infant death or accidental injury. Resilience is crucial, and health visitors have a role in identifying and supporting the family to build on resilient factors. It is crucial for services and agencies to work together to achieve the best outcomes for the child. As local authorities now have responsibility to address the needs of their local population, each area's services will vary, and the health visitor should seek to understand the local approach.