Parental Substance Abuse

This study examined the effects of parental substance abuse on children in Ekosodin Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research specifically explored the types of substances commonly abused by parents, the psychological, social, and academic impacts on their children, and the coping mechanisms adopted by these children.Primary data were collected through the administration of eighty (80) structured questionnaires to respondents selected fromhouseholds within the study area.The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods,including frequency and percentage distributions. Findings revealed that alcohol (43.8%) and cannabis (31.3%) were the most commonly abused substances among parents in the community, followed by tramadol (12.5%) and codeine syrup (7.5%).The study further showed that children exposed to parental substance abuse experience significant psychological distress manifesting as depression (27.5%), anxiety(22.5%), and low self-esteem (18.8%). Socially, the children exhibited poor social interaction (26.3%), truancy (23.8%), and exposure to domestic violence (21.3%), while academically, they recorded poor grades (37.5%), low concentration (25.0%), and
irregular school attendance (18.8%). Coping mechanisms adopted by these children included seeking support from relatives and teachers (30%), emotional withdrawal (25%), counselling (18.8%), and participation in religious activities (15%). The study concludes that parental substance abuse in Ekosodin significantly undermines children’s emotional stability, social adjustment, and academic achievement, thereby threatening their holistic development. It recommends community-based rehabilitation programs, family counselling, and public sensitization on the dangers of substance abuse