Karen Clemmer shared this article noting it is very relevant to Maternal Child Adolescent Health-focused work, including preventing perinatal substance use, supporting the perinatal mental health system of care, and raising awareness about ACES. The article also highlights how field nursing can be a protective factor for children impacted by these issues.
Families Affected by Parental Substance Use
Abstract
Children whose parents or caregivers use drugs or alcohol are at increased risk of short- and long-term sequelae ranging from medical problems to psycho-social and behavioral challenges. In the course of providing health care services to children, pediatricians are likely to encounter families affected by parental substance use and are in a unique position to intervene. Therefore, pediatricians need to know how to assess a child’s risk in the context of a parent’s substance use.
The purposes of this clinical report are to review some of the short-term effects of maternal substance use during pregnancy and long-term implications of fetal exposure; describe typical medical, psychiatric, and behavioral symptoms of children and adolescents in families affected by substance use; and suggest proficiencies for pediatricians involved in the care of children and adolescents of families affected by substance use, including screening families, mandated reporting requirements, and directing families to community, regional, and state resources that can address needs and problems.
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