Substance Use, Abuse, Dependence Continuum, and Principles of Effec | Page 3
Implications for Child Welfare/
Examples of Risk to Children
Alcohol and Drug Use Continuum
Use of alcohol or other drugs to socialize and feel
effects. Use may not appear abusive and may not lead
to dependence, however the circumstances under
which a parent uses can put children at risk of harm.
•
Driving with children in the car while under the
influence.
•
Use during pregnancy can harm the fetus.
Abuse of alcohol or drugs includes at least one of
these factors in the last 12 months:
•
Children may be left in unsafe care—with an
inappropriate caretaker or unattended—while
parent is partying.
•
Parent may neglect or sporadically address the
children’s needs for regular meals, clothing, and
cleanliness.
•
Recurrent substance use resulting in failure to fulfill
obligations at work, home or school.
•
Recurrent substance use in situations that are
physically hazardous.
•
•
Recurrent substance-related legal problems.
•
Continued substance use despite having persistent
or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused
by or exacerbated by the substance.
Even when the parent is in the home, the parent’s
use may leave children unsupervised.
•
Behavior toward children may be inconsistent,
such as a pattern of violence then remorse.
Dependence, also known as addiction, is a pattern
of use that results in three or more of the following
symptoms in a 12 month period:
•
•
Despite a clear danger to children, the parent may
engage in addiction-related behaviors, such as
leaving children unattended while seeking drugs.
Tolerance—needing more of the drug or alcohol to
get “high”.
•
•
Withdrawal—physical symptoms when alcohol or
other drugs are not used, such as tremors, nausea,
sweating, and shakiness.
Funds are used to buy alcohol or other drugs, while
other necessities, such as buying food, are
neglected.
•
•
Substance is taken in larger amounts and over a
longer period than intended.
A parent may not be able to think logically or make
rational decisions regarding children’s needs or
care.
•
Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down
or control substance use.
•
A great deal of time is spent in activities related
to obtaining the substance, use of the substance or
recovering from its effects.
•
Important social, occupational, or recreational
activities are given up or reduced because of
substance use.
•
Substance use is continued despite knowledge
of persistent or recurrent physical or psychological
problems caused or exacerbated by the substance.
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