Hidden Harm
Parental problem alcohol misuse / drug use can and does cause serious harm to children at every age from conception to adulthood, promoting:
- Compromised
parenting capacity
- Poor outcomes for child’s development and behaviour
- Increased risk of becoming involved in the criminal
justice system
- Increased risk of developing substance misuse problems
themselves
- Infant attachment problems and high levels of parent-child
separation
Thing’s to look out for in adults:
- Desire to drink/ use.
- Loss of control over amount drunk / used
- Withdrawals
- Tolerance
- Narrowing of repertoire
- Continued use despite knowledge of harm
In Children:
- Children’s
cognitive development may be delayed due to lack of stimulation /
disorganisation re schooling and attendance.
- Children
may show symptoms of anxiety, stress & fear.
- Problem
behaviours
- Neglect
regarding presentation i.e. washing; unfed etc
- Being a
young carer
- Low self
esteem
- Lack of
friends