Substance abuse is on the rise all across America and beyond. The opioid epidemic, in particular, has seen a dramatic increase over the past 10 years. Drug abuse has many devastating effects, but none more than the impact it has on children.
When it comes to classifying abuse involving substances, there are two categories. The first occurs when illegal drugs are found in a child’s body. This can happen at birth from a mother ingesting drugs during the pregnancy or in young children having been exposed to the narcotics enough for them to get into their system. The second classification involves the parent or caregiver possessing, manufacturing, cultivating, or distributing a dangerous substance or allowing someone to do this in the presence of the child.
Whether a little one is born with substances in its system, is neglected or exposed to dangerous substances due to the mental or physical absence of its parent, or physically abused in the aftermath of drug use, every child deserves better. More often than not, a parent or caregiver who has a substance abuse disorder will need support in best providing for a child while they get on the road to recovery.
I heard it said today that child abuse is everyone’s business. If someone doesn’t step in, how do we break the cycle? If you suspect child abuse in any form, please don’t hesitate to call our local police department at 515-573-2323 or the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-362-2178.
