Water by the spoonful: children of addiction.

QUESTION: I just saw for the first time a 7-year-old boy with severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. He came with his grandmother, who has been his guardian for the past 2 years. His mother is addicted to cocaine and is in rehabilitation. There is no paternal involvement. What is known about the long-term effects of being raised by parents with addictions? ANSWER: Being raised by parents addicted to cocaine, other drugs, or alcohol confers high risk of neglect, physical and mental abuse, poverty, and a long list of psychological and psychiatric disorders. These children must be considered to be at very high risk and should be followed appropriately; both the children and their families must be supported.