Drug Abuse in Mothers

Drug use in a mother can negatively impact the life outcome of her children.

Whether it is prenatal or postnatal, drug use by a mother can be extremely detrimental to her children. According to the Parenting and Child Health website, risks to children include physical defects, developmental delay, dangerous situations and emotional disturbances.

Prenatal Drug Use

The use of drugs during pregnancy can result in a variety of physical and mental complications in newborns. These problems can persist well into adulthood. Symptoms include low birth weight, reduced intelligence, organ failure, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and a failure to thrive. Specific complications depend on the drug type and frequency of use by the mother, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Postnatal Drug Use

Women who are addicted to drugs have a reduced ability to engage in good parenting and are more likely to neglect or abuse their children. Additionally, drug culture is often linked to violence, prostitution, poverty and child endangerment. The children of drug users frequently grow into dysfunctional or emotionally disturbed adults who are also addicted, states the Parenting and Child's Health website.

Protecting Children From Parental Drug Use

Mothers who are struggling with a drug problem can help their children cope by being honest with them and identifying a safe person for them to go in a dangerous situation, suggests Parenting and Child Health. The best solution for a drug-addicted mother is to seek professional treatment.

References

• National Institute on Drug Abuse: Prenatal Effects
• Kids Health: Fetal Alchohol Sydrome
• Parenting and Child Health: Parents on Drugs