Help children overcome the increasing dangers they face because of their parents’ addictions Impact of Substance Abuse on Children and Families addresses the growing concern over children at risk of developing physical and mental health problems because of their parents’ addictions to alcohol and other drugs (AOD), including a chapter on the troubling increase of methamphetamine abuse by parents. The book’s contributors examine current research findings from the United States, Australia, Ireland, and Israel to provide much-needed insight into the effects of addiction on family dynamics, parental attachment styles, and family characteristics. The book also looks at the impact of addiction on school-aged children and on mothers in residential treatment with their children, survey assessment instruments and treatment outcomes, and the value of Student Assistance Services for older children. Almost 25 percent of children in the United States live in a household where a parent or other adult is a heavy or binge drinker. More than 10 percent live in family where illicit drugs are used. Children of alcoholics are nearly 10 times more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder as other children, and often develop behavior problems such as depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder. Children of illicit drug abusers are more likely than other children to demonstrate immature, impulsive, or irresponsible behavior, to have lower IQ scores, and poorer school attendance. Impact of Substance Abuse on Children and Families focuses on these critical and often ignored aspects of addiction, providing the latest evidence-based qualitative and quantitative research findings, as well as a summary of available literature. Impact of Substance Abuse on Children and Families examines: the impact on children at various developmental stages the role of the family as a treatment resource alcohol problems and marriage parental attachment styles of drug-using fathers family cohesion and adaptability self-in-relations theory family-centered service models the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) adolescent substance abuse treatment online treatment options Impact of Substance Abuse on Children and Families is an essential resource for both academics and practitioners working in social work, addictions counseling, sociology, psychology, public health, and family and children’s studies.

Alcohol use by young people is extremely dangerous - both to themselves and society at large. Underage alcohol use is associated with traffic fatalities, violence, unsafe sex, suicide, educational failure, and other problem behaviors that diminish the prospects of future success, as well as health risks â€" and the earlier teens start drinking, the greater the danger. Despite these serious concerns, the media continues to make drinking look attractive to youth, and it remains possible and even easy for teenagers to get access to alcohol. Why is this dangerous behavior so pervasive? What can be done to prevent it? What will work and who is responsible for making sure it happens? Reducing Underage Drinking addresses these questions and proposes a new way to combat underage alcohol use. It explores the ways in which may different individuals and groups contribute to the problem and how they can be enlisted to prevent it. Reducing Underage Drinking will serve as both a game plan and a call to arms for anyone with an investment in youth health and safety.

Alcohol is a killerâ€"1 of every 13 deaths in the United States is alcohol-related. In addition, 5 percent of the population consumes 50 percent of the alcohol. The authors take a close look at the problem in a "classy little study," as The Washington Post called this book. The Library Journal states, "...[T]his is one book that addresses solutions....And it's enjoyably readable....This is an excellent review for anyone in the alcoholism prevention business, and good background reading for the interested layperson." The Washington Post agrees: the book "...likely will wind up on the bookshelves of counselors, politicians, judges, medical professionals, and law enforcement officials throughout the country."

The varied and complex relationship between alcoholism and the family is of increasing significance for both theory and clinical applications. Covering a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from the role of genetics in the development of alcoholism to the involvement of family members in treatment, ALCOHOL AND THE FAMILY offers practitioners and researchers a comprehensive, state-of-the-art exploration and review of this important topic.

This volume provides an in-depth look at the genetic influences that contribute to the development of alcoholism. Part I: Epidemiologic Studies contains five chapters that examine the various approaches employed in the study of the genetics of alcoholism. It provides a historical perspective and details all the essentials of this subject. Part II: Selective Breeding Studies highlights the results of research involving the selective breeding of rodents. This type of research has produced homogenous strains exhibiting specific behavioral responses considered significant in the development and maintenance of alcohol dependence. The studies presented in Part III: Phenotypic Studies investigate and analyze phenotypic markers that serve as correlates to the genotypic determinants of alcoholism. Through its broad scope, this volume provides for the first time a panoramic view of the knowledge available on the hereditary influences of alcoholism.