Children Of Users Research Articles

Federal Family Drug Treatment Courts: Providing Positive Possibilities

Due to the lack of family drug treatment courts, families are often torn apart when a parent has a substance abuse problem. Children of substance abusers are often abused and neglected. However, children in these tough living situations fear seeking help because they do not want to be the reason that their family is torn apart and they are placed in the foster care system. This Note proposes a federal statute that requires all states to implement family drug treatment courts. These courts allow families to stay intact while providing the parent with the help that he or she needs.

The Enduring Effects of Parental Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use on Child Well-being: A Multilevel Meta-Analysis.

The effects of psychoactive substance abuse are not limited to the user, but extend to the entire family system, with children of substance abusers being particularly at risk. This meta-analysis attempted to quantify the longitudinal relationship between parental alcohol, tobacco, and drug use and child well-being, investigating variation across a range of substance and well-being indices and other potential moderators. We performed a literature search of peer-reviewed, English language, longitudinal observational studies that reported outcomes for children aged 0 to 18 years. In total, 56 studies, yielding 220 dependent effect sizes, met inclusion criteria. A multilevel random-effects model revealed a statistically significant, small detriment to child well-being for parental substance abuse over time (r = .15). Moderator analyses demonstrated that the effect was more pronounced for parental drug use (r = .25), compared with alcohol use (r = .13), tobacco use (r = .13), and alcohol use disorder (r = .14). Results highlight a need for future studies that better capture the effect of parental psychoactive substance abuse on the full breadth of childhood well-being outcomes and to integrate substance abuse into models that specify the precise conditions under which parental behavior determines child well-being.Registration: PROSPERO CRD42017076088.

Social media mining for birth defects research: A rule-based, bootstrapping approach to collecting data for rare health-related events on Twitter.

Although birth defects are the leading cause of infant mortality in the United States, methods for observing human pregnancies with birth defect outcomes are limited. The primary objectives of this study were (i) to assess whether rare health-related events-in this case, birth defects-are reported on social media, (ii) to design and deploy a natural language processing (NLP) approach for collecting such sparse data from social media, and (iii) to utilize the collected data to discover a cohort of women whose pregnancies with birth defect outcomes could be observed on social media for epidemiological analysis. To assess whether birth defects are mentioned on social media, we mined 432 million tweets posted by 112,647 users who were automatically identified via their public announcements of pregnancy on Twitter. To retrieve tweets that mention birth defects, we developed a rule-based, bootstrapping approach, which relies on a lexicon, lexical variants generated from the lexicon entries, regular expressions, post-processing, and manual analysis guided by distributional properties. To identify users whose pregnancies with birth defect outcomes could be observed for epidemiological analysis, inclusion criteria were (i) tweets indicating that the user's child has a birth defect, and (ii) accessibility to the user's tweets during pregnancy. We conducted a semi-automatic evaluation to estimate the recall of the tweet-collection approach, and performed a preliminary assessment of the prevalence of selected birth defects among the pregnancy cohort derived from Twitter. We manually annotated 16,822 retrieved tweets, distinguishing tweets indicating that the user's child has a birth defect (true positives) from tweets that merely mention birth defects (false positives). Inter-annotator agreement was substantial: κ = 0.79 (Cohen's kappa). Analyzing the timelines of the 646 users whose tweets were true positives resulted in the discovery of 195 users that met the inclusion criteria. Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect reported on Twitter, consistent with findings in the general population. Based on an evaluation of 4169 tweets retrieved using alternative text mining methods, the recall of the tweet-collection approach was 0.95. Our contributions include (i) evidence that rare health-related events are indeed reported on Twitter, (ii) a generalizable, systematic NLP approach for collecting sparse tweets, (iii) a semi-automatic method to identify undetected tweets (false negatives), and (iv) a collection of publicly available tweets by pregnant users with birth defect outcomes, which could be used for future epidemiological analysis. In future work, the annotated tweets could be used to train machine learning algorithms to automatically identify users reporting birth defect outcomes, enabling the large-scale use of social media mining as a complementary method for such epidemiological research.

PO-0722 Pregnancy Drug Users Attended In The Maternity Teaching Hospital Alcides Carneiro – PetrÓpolis-rj/brazil. What We Know About?

<h3>Introduction</h3> The use of drugs of abuse during pregnancy is a public health problem, with deleterious consequences for the mother, her son, family and society effects. The seriousness of the problem and the lack of data concerning the use of drugs by pregnant women in our maternity motivated us to design this study. <h3>Objectives</h3> To identify among pregnant women admitted to the maternity HEAC users of licit and illicit drugs through self-declaration. <h3>Method</h3> A descriptive, cross-sectional study period August 1, 2013 a January 3, 2014. Questionnaire was applied during the hospital postpartum women, after signing an informed consent. <h3>Results</h3> 1055 women were studied, of these 266 (25.21%) were users of drugs of abuse. Among the women who reported using any drugs, were identified: tobacco (36.46%), alcohol (27.81%), cocaine (5.6%) and marijuana (2.2%). The average age of the group of drug users was 25.49 years, while the non-users was 24.81 years. The prevalence of drug use among adolescents was 18.04%. The children of drug users 7.5% had required neonatal intensive care. There was no statistical difference in relation to perinatal asphyxia among a group of users and non- drug users. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Considering that the identification of these women was only through self declaration of the use of licit and illicit drugs, it becomes even more concerning the current situation with regard to drug use by pregnant women, since this is probably just the tip of a large iceberg, we need to know so we can meet.

Children of substance abusers: psychosocial profile of children and adolescents

Introduction: Psychoactive substance abuse problems in the family have an impact on the development of children and adolescents. This risk conditions can harm mental health and hinder healthy development in psychosocial areas. Objectives: This study investigated the psychosocial profile of children and adolescents assisted in a prevention service center for children of substance abusers in a deprived community located in the outskirts of Sao Paulo. Methods: Exploratory and descriptive study, based on cross-sectional methodology and a convenience sample of 791 children and adolescents assisted at the Intervention and Support Center for Children of Substance Abusers - CUIDA between January 2001 and December 2008. The sample was divided into groups according to discharge status: Active, Therapeutic Discharge (TD), Abandonment, Without Information about the Reason for Leaving and With Information about the Length of Treatment (WIRL), Without Information (WI), and Other Reasons for Leaving (OR). Results: In the Active group, 26% of mothers had completed high-school and 11% belonged to the A/B socioeconomic classes. The TD group showed the highest percentages of wage earning parents (52%) living together (64%). In the WIRL group, 17% of the mothers were illiterate or had not completed primary education, and 23% of the fathers were unemployed. In the WI group, 22% lived in houses that had been lent to them. Conclusions: Results indicate the impact of addiction and underprivileged conditions (such as housing status, fathers’ level of education, and socioeconomic status) on retention in the service and the importance of health prevention and promotion strategies aimed at this population.

Environmental risk factors and custody status in children of substance abusers

Children of substance abusers face myriad risks, including child maltreatment, residential instability, and exposure to violence, crime, and disorganization in their homes and neighborhoods. Using data from a substance abuse treatment program for women and their children, this study sought to examine the changes in children's living situations before and after their mother's treatment experience. First, we examined pre- and post-treatment changes in the legal and physical custody status of children, as well as neighborhood and household factors that can impact children's physical or emotional health and safety. Mothers who had at least one child living with them reported a significant decrease in problems in the home and neighborhood environments. Independent observations by research assistants also indicated few visible problems with the appropriateness of the post-treatment home and neighborhood environments for children. Second, we examined whether treatment completion predicted healthier living situations for children. Results indicated that treatment graduates were 2.5 times more likely to have at least one child living with them after treatment. In addition, non-graduates experienced more unwanted moves compared to graduates. These findings suggest that the homes and neighborhoods families return to post-treatment are, on the whole, relatively safe. • We studied mothers who entered residential substance abuse treatment. • We examined pre- to post-treatment changes in their children's living situation. • Improvements were seen in residential stability and home safety. • Outcomes were best for mothers who completed treatment and their children.

Violence Exposure as a Predictor of Internalizing and Externalizing Problems Among Children of Substance Abusers

We explore the associations between exposure to conflict and crime in the home and community, and child anxiety and self-control problems among 60 children whose mothers were in treatment for substance abuse problems. Experiences with violence and crime were widespread, with many children exposed to multiple incidents. Approximately one-third (35.5%) of children exhibited clinically elevated anxiety. Controlling for other potential predictors, both children's exposure to violence and the number of years the mother had been using substances predicted higher anxiety in children, while only exposure to violence predicted problems in self-control. Results highlight the importance of screening for violence exposure.

Child and family factors associated with teacher-reported behavior problems in young children of substance abusers.

We examined child and family factors associated with teacher-reported behavior problems in 79 children of substance abusers (COSAs). Using regression models, we examined the impact of four family risk factors, cumulatively and individually, on children's behavior and explored children's engagement of adults as a protective factor. More than half (55%) of children had clinically elevated behavior problems. Cumulative family risks were associated with increased problems, whereas the presence of a father in the home and the child's ability to engage adults were protective. These findings may help explain the variation in behavioral outcomes of COSAs.

Codependency, Perceived Interparental Conflict, and Substance Abuse in the Family of Origin

Codependency has been found to originate in many different environments, namely the family of origin. The most popularly researched environment is the family of origin that exhibits substance abuse. However, little research has clearly demonstrated that codependency is most prevalent in children of substance abusers. Previous research has not examined how codependency is correlated with perceived interparental conflict. This study examined the relationships among codependency, interparental conflict, and substance abuse in the family of origin. Results of this study found that codependency in adulthood was related to perceived interparental conflict in the family of origin, but was not related to the family of origin that exhibited substance abuse.

Audit on the management of infants with maternal Hepatitis C (HCV) infection at a neonatal abstinence (NAS) follow-up clinic

Infants of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive women have a 5% risk of infection and require screening according to the 2008 HCV protocol. Children of drug users have poor health...

Using a Framework to Explore Associations Between Parental Substance Use and the Health Outcomes of their Adolescent Children

Risk-taking behavior plays a significant role in the lives of adolescents. Adolescents engaging in risk behaviors such as substance use and risky sexual activity are at increased risk for contracting STDs, unplanned pregnancy, and other health problems. Consequently, children of substance abusers are at even greater risk for engaging in maladaptive behaviors given their social environment and the potential exposure to parental substance use/abuse. Although the empirical literature on adolescent risk-taking behavior is vast, less empirical research has examined how parental substance use is associated with the health outcomes of adolescent children of substance abusers, especially children of parents who use illicit substances. This study proposes a framework to synthesize the research on the health outcomes of adolescent children of substance abusers and provides recommendations for future study.

Children of female sex workers and drug users: a review of vulnerability, resilience and family-centred models of care.

BackgroundInjection drug users and female sex workers are two of the populations most at risk for becoming infected with HIV in countries with concentrated epidemics. Many of the adults who fall into these categories are also parents, but little is known about the vulnerabilities faced by their children, their children's sources of resilience, or programmes providing services to these often fragile families. This review synthesizes evidence from disparate sources describing the vulnerabilities and resilience of the children of female sex workers and drug users, and documents some models of care that have been put in place to assist them.ReviewA large literature assessing the vulnerability and resilience of children of drug users and alcoholics in developed countries was found. Research on the situation of the children of sex workers is extremely limited. Children of drug users and sex workers can face unique risks, stigma and discrimination, but both child vulnerability and resilience are associated in the drug use literature with the physical and mental health of parents and family context. Family-centred interventions have been implemented in low- and middle-income contexts, but they tend to be small, piecemeal and struggling to meet demand; they are poorly documented, and most have not been formally evaluated. We present preliminary descriptive data from an organization working with pregnant and new mothers who are drug users in Ukraine and from an organization providing services to sex workers and their families in Zambia.ConclusionsBecause parents' drug use or sex work is often illegal and hidden, identifying their children can be difficult and may increase children's vulnerability and marginalization. Researchers and service providers, therefore, need to proceed with caution when attempting to reach these populations, but documentation and evaluation of current programmes should be prioritized.

Evaluation of the Betty Ford Children's Program

ABSTRACT This article reports on a program evaluation of the Betty Ford Center Children's Program, a program specifically designed for the children of substance abusers. Approximately 160 participating children (aged 7–12) were evaluated at pretest and posttest using a comprehensive psychological battery; a subsample of 50 children participated in a follow-up telephone interview 6 months later. Results showed that children of substance abusers benefit from brief, intensive program efforts that serve their special circumstances and highlight the important role social workers and other clinicians have in helping children reevaluate how they are impacted by their parent's addiction.

News and Notes

News and Notes

Young Children of Parents with Substance Use Disorders (SUD): A Review of the Literature and Implications for Social Work Practice

SUMMARY This article reviews the scientific literature that focuses on school-age children of parents with substance use disorder (SUD). The review examined the subjects, instruments, and results of 10 scientific studies published from 1985 to the present (2006). Generally, school-age children of parents with SUD demonstrated a variety of emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and social problems. Specifically, (a) children of drug users (CODs) were at higher risk than children of alcoholics (COAs) for psychopathology and functional impairments, and (b) Children of parents diagnosed as having SUDs (particularly alcohol), along with anti-social personality disorder (ASPD) showed more negative psychosocial outcomes than children whose parents did not have ASPD. Recommendations for future research and implications for social work practice are discussed.

Influential Factors of Parental Substance and Alcohol Abuse on Children’s Academic Achievement

There is much research to support the idea that parental involvement benefits a child's educational performance. There is also strong evidence demonstrating that parental substance or alcohol abuse increases a child's risk for behavioral problems that include drug and alcohol abuse, social-skill deficits, and low educational attainment. Very little current research has focused specifically on children of substance abusers who, against the odds, achieve academically. This study investigates the relationship between parental substance or alcohol abuse and children’s academic achievement. Data will be collected using a self-report survey from adult-children who self-identify as being a child of a past or present substance or alcohol abuser. This study hopes to identify strategies that were used by the subjects to surmount family dysfunction and which helped them to achieve academically. It is expected that these strategies could be used as interventions to help other students by encouraging their academic progress and achievement even amid dysfunctional, substance abusing family situations. Positive psychological theory and resilience theory concepts are used as a backdrop. Substance abuse, specifically alcohol abuse, is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder in the United States, with an estimate in 1992 of 14 million adults who abused or were dependent upon alcohol. The problems of drug and alcohol addiction are worthy of attention as they create concomitant social, economic, and psychological consequences for everyone involved. For example, the collective effects of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs exact greater consequences on the welfare of the American people than any other single preventable factor. The total costs ascribable to addiction are approximated at more than $400 billion every year, including health care costs, low worker productivity, and crime. Faculty Mentor: Valerie Stewart

Influencia de la ansiedad materna en la frecuentación de las consultas de pediatría de atención primaria

To know the influence of mother's anxiety in the number of office visits made by the children al primary care paediatric setting.Case control study.Primary care. 17th Health Area. Valencian Community. Spain.134 mothers. Overuse was defined as number of visits higher than the average of visits in all children plus one standard deviation in a certain period. 14.89% were over users. 46 mothers (35.12%) from over user children and 85 (64.88%) from non over users.Anxiety scale STAI (Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) short form. Mother's job and number of mother's children.Mother's of over user's children score higher in STAI scale. Number of children or mother's job is not associated with STAI scores. In multivariate analysis anxiety is an important factor associated to over user's children.Mother's anxiety is associated with over user's children in primary care paediatric setting. This is a modifiable factor to influence in the number of inappropriate office visits.

How great is the risk of abuse in infants born to drug-using mothers?

This prospective, cohort study reports early child protection and surveillance process markers for children born to self-proclaimed drug-using mothers. A strong association is reported between maternal drug use and child abuse in North American studies. There are no systematic data describing this association for the UK population. Given the heterogeneous nature of drug cultures and associated behaviour it is difficult to generalize from US data to the UK population. The study group consisted of all women referred to a hospital-based antenatal clinic for pregnant drug users. Infants of non-drug users were matched for social class and gestational age. At 18 months the Bristol and surrounding area child protection registers and child health surveillance records were searched. Infants were coded as to whether they were the subject of an enquiry, case conference, registration, registration with subsequent deregistration, or taken into care. There were 68 infants of drug users and 127 infants of non-drug users. Most (81%) of drug users were heroin and/or methadone users; half were using/had used intravenously. Child health surveillance uptake for both groups is lower than that reported for the Avon population as a whole during the study period, consistent with the relatively deprived populations represented. There is no statistically significant difference between the drug users and non-drug users. The overall risk of child protection proceedings was higher in children of drug users than in children of non-drug users. However, closer inspection of the data shows most of the excess risk is explained by the small group taken into care and the much larger group for whom the concerns were relatively shortlived as shown by their subsequent deregistration during the study period. Maternal drug use does not necessarily lead to unacceptable standards of parenting. More UK-based research is needed to inform the risk assessment process for child protection.

School‐based support groups for adolescents with an addicted parent: Using principles of solution focused therapy

There are four to six children with chemically dependent parents in an average classroom. Only 5% of these children receive any supportive services. Children of substance abusers attend school less often, are often late for school, and have a higher incidence of learning disabilities. In an effort to address the needs of this vulnerable population, many school districts offer school‐based support groups (SBSG). Consistent with the principles of solution‐focused therapy, the SBSG focuses on the strengths and resiliency of these youth and helps them develop problem‐solving strategies and find solutions. This study was a qualitative evaluation of SBSG for adolescents with an addicted parent.

The “Drug Court Strengthening Families” Program

Drug Courts were implemented in response to the rising incarceration rate of substance abusers. The Drug Court program is an intensive substance abuse treatment and criminal justice monitoring program. Children of Drug Court clients are at double risk-not only have their parents been substance abusers, they are also involved in the criminal justice system. This paper summarizes the results of a program needs assessment, process evaluation, and outcome evaluation of the Kentucky Drug Court Strengthening Families Pilot Program. Results indicated overall positive changes for families which resulted from the program. Several limitations and problems were identified and recommendations are offered for Drug Court and other programs that target the children of substance abusers involved in the criminal justice system. The Kentucky Drug Court Strengthening Families Program provided an opportunity to prevent substance abuse for critically at-risk adolescents and pre-adolescents.