Substance abuse in the United States
Alcohol and drug addiction are widespread in the United States. In 1996 almost 14 million Americans were estimated to abuse alcohol, while the number of illicit drug users was estimated to exceed 12 million. In 1998 an estimated 11 percent of children in the U.S. lived in households where at least one parent is either an alcoholic or in need of substance abuse treatment.

Substance abuse hurts children
Children of substance or alcohol abusing parents are almost three times more likely to be abused and four times more likely to be neglected than children of non-substance abusing parents. Substance abuse contributes to 7 out of 10 cases of child maltreatment. The risk to children increases in single parent households, where there is no supporting adult to diffuse parental stress and protect the child from the effects of the parent's substance abuse. Children under the age of five are the most vulnerable to abuse or neglect by a substance-abusing parent and represent the fastest growing population in out-of-home care.

Substance abuse and the child welfare system
Children from substance-abusing families are more likely to be placed in foster care (54 percent versus 23 percent). These children spend longer periods of time in foster care than other foster children. Within the child welfare system, the percentage of children under the age of four who were exposed to drugs while in utero increased from 29 percent in 1986 to 62 percent in 1991. Nearly 80 percent of foster children are at risk for a wide range of physical and developmental health problems related to prenatal exposure to maternal substance abuse. Substance abuse accounts for nearly $10 billion in federal, state, and local government spending for child welfare systems.

Help is available
If you need help, the Prevention Information Resource Center and Parent Helpline is available throughout New York State, 24 hours a day, in English and Spanish, at 1-800-342-7472. Someone will listen to your concerns and give you information about programs and services that can support and help you and your family.

Top | Causes & Risk Factors Page