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Young Children of Substance Abusers

NCJ Number
159395
Author(s)
G Austin; M Prendergast
Date Published
1991
Length
73 pages
Annotation
This document discusses the current state of knowledge vis-a- vis school-aged children of alcoholics and other drug abusers.
Abstract
The first sections of this report discuss terminology and methodology issues, and describe the prevalence of children living in homes with alcoholic or drug-dependent parents. The report summarizes research findings on the characteristics and problems experienced by children of alcoholics and other drug abusers in terms of their own vulnerability to alcohol and other drug use, and their health risks, psychosocial and psychiatric problems, and resiliency factors. The section on prevention and intervention focuses on the processes of identification and assessment; labeling; goals, strategies, and techniques for the classroom, general alcohol and other drug education programs, and student assistance programs; specific programs for drug-exposed children; the role of parental involvement in juvenile drug prevention; and program evaluation. The document includes abstracts of the studies summarized here. 321 references