Substance abuse continues to affect many households across Georgia. This is nothing short of tragic, but what’s even more troubling is that many children in these households are exposed to parental substance abuse. The effects of such exposure can be extensive, too, leaving a child with short- and long-term harm that can be difficult to overcome.
How does exposure to parental substance abuse hurt children?
Exposure to parental substance abuse can harm children in several ways. If your child is being exposed, then they may experience the following:
- An increased risk of being abused and neglected.
- A decrease in school performance.
- The onset of behavioral issues, including those that are aggressive in nature.
- Feelings of shame and guilt.
- An increase in anxiety and depression.
- Development of excessive sadness.
- Difficulty developing trust-based relationships.
- An increased risk of developing their own addiction issues.
These are just some of the implications that your child could face, and, if left unaddressed, many of them can follow your child into their adult life. Although that’s incredibly stressful to think about, you can act to bring this exposure to an end and protect your child.
What should you do if your child is exposed to parental substance abuse?
Your best course of action is to file a motion for child custody modification. Here, you can request to restrict or even eliminate the other parent’s access to your child.
To succeed on one of these motions, you’ll need evidence of both the substance abuse itself and your child’s exposure to it. So, look for police reports and witness statements that might be able to cement your arguments.
Don’t leave your child’s well-being at risk
When parental substance abuse is in play, there’s simply too much at risk to let it slide. You need to take quick and effective action to protect your child. That’s why now is the time to act. By doing so, you’ll hopefully secure an outcome that protects your child and puts your mind at ease.