When Kids are Exposed to Drugs at Home

When Children Are Exposed to Drugs or Alcohol at Home

For parents who used substances before starting their families, the temptation to continue that behaviour can be strong, particularly when substance use has become a familiar coping mechanism. Some may rationalise using drugs or alcohol in front of their children by suggesting it helps them unwind after a stressful day. Others might even believe that exposing children to drug use early could somehow prepare them to “use responsibly” in future. And for some, addiction may have progressed to the point where they feel unable to abstain, even when children are present.

But no matter the reason, the reality is this: when children grow up in homes where drugs or alcohol are used openly, their risk of developing substance use issues increases significantly. Research shows that these children are more likely to experiment with drugs at younger ages and are more vulnerable to developing addiction as they grow older.

Substance Use Teaches More Than It Eases

Children absorb far more than we often realise. When they observe a parent turning to drugs or alcohol to manage life’s stressors, they internalise that response. The unspoken message is that substances are a normal, even necessary, way to cope with difficulty. Over time, this can prevent them from developing healthier tools for emotional regulation or stress relief.

Parents who use marijuana or other substances around, or even with, their children may not see immediate harm, but research shows that when kids are exposed to drugs at home, such exposure can impair cognitive development and emotional security. These effects often ripple well into adolescence and young adulthood, leading to lower educational achievement, greater emotional distress, and higher rates of risky behaviour.¹

When Kids Are Exposed to Drugs at Home: The Lasting Impact

The statistics speak plainly. Children who witness parental substance use are more than three times as likely to develop addiction themselves. Exposure during childhood is considered a serious Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE), which can heighten long-term risks of mental illness, addiction, and chronic disease.

In homes where substance use is persistent, children are also more likely to experience neglect, emotional instability or other forms of trauma. A significant proportion of people involved in the criminal justice system report having grown up in homes affected by addiction. While this does not mean every child exposed to drugs will follow this path, early exposure unquestionably increases the likelihood of long-term difficulties.

Hope and Help Are Within Reach

The good news is that change is always possible, and it begins with awareness. Recognising the impact of substance use on your children is not about blame, but about making compassionate, informed choices for a healthier future, for you and your family.

At Smarmore Castle, we understand how addiction affects families, not just individuals. Our residential treatment programme supports parents in breaking free from substance use while learning new coping strategies that promote long-term recovery. Therapy sessions, including family involvement, help rebuild trust and teach healthier ways of managing stress and emotional pain.

If you’re a parent struggling with alcohol or drug use, know that support is available, and you are not alone.

If you believe you or someone you know is putting their child in danger due to drug and alcohol addiction, we can help. Smarmore Castle Private Clinic is Dublin’s premier residential treatment programme, restoring patients to optimum health of mind, body, and spirit. For information, call us today: 041 986 5080.