Children of substance misusers prone to poor mental health

Children with parents who have substantial drug and alcohol
problems are prone to poor mental health, a plenary session at
Community Care Live Scotland was told last week,
writes Clare Jerrom.

Representatives from FSU Scotland explained that children who
grow up in households where substance misuse is rife are likely to
have attachment problems, behavioural and emotional
difficulties.

They also have problems with school non-attendance, have low
self-esteem and find themselves in a young carers role.

Outlining their work to the session, the FSU staff explained
that there was “a lot of secrecy around the child’s
world”. Children found maintaining secrets stressful and were
also worried about social stigma and isolation.

They outlined the benefits in group work for these children as
they could talk to others who had experienced similar situations to
them. Talking to others in a group work can reduce the burden of
responsibility and inappropriate self-blame.