Family Environmental and Genetic Influences on Children's Future Chemical Dependency (From Childhood and Chemical Abuse: Prevention and Intervention, P 49-91, 1986, Stephanie Griswold-Ezekoye, et al, eds. -See NCJ-110667)

• NCJ Number: 110669
• Author(s): K L Kumpfer; J DeMarsh
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 43 pages
• Grant Number(s): DA02758-01/02; DA03888-01
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Sale Source: Haworth Press, Inc
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article reviews possible genetic and environmental factors which contribute to future chemical dependency in children of alcohol- and drug-abusing parents.

Abstract

The author hypothesizes that children of chemically dependent parents are at very high risk for alcohol and drug abuse. This article examines the characteristics of alcohol and drug-abusing families and their children, and ways in which family heredity and the environment created by parents may place children at risk. Studies on genetic vulnerability and biological markers of alcoholism and drug abuse are cited. Also discussed are recent studies on characteristics of families with chemically dependent parents and their affective, cognitive, and behavioral impact on children. Existing family-focused prevention programs for children and adult children of chemically dependent parents are described, and implications for the most effective prevention strategies are presented. Recommendations are made concerning the need for more family-focused prevention interventions. 165 references.