Water by the spoonful: Children of addiction

Question I just saw for the first time a 7-year-old boy with severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. He came with his grandmother, who has been his guardian for the past 2 years. His mother is addicted to cocaine and is in rehabilitation. There is no paternal involvement. What is known about the long-term effects of being raised by parents with addictions? Answer Being raised by parents addicted to cocaine, other drugs, or alcohol confers high risk of neglect, physical and mental abuse, poverty, and a long list of psychological and psychiatric disorders. These children must be considered to be at very high risk and should be followed appropriately; both the children and their families must be supported.