Published: 12/18/2025 | Author: Terri

The opioid epidemic isn’t just claiming lives and shattering relationships among adults and families. The scourge of parental opioid abuse is also creating generational trauma among children growing up in a household impacted by substance abuse.

You’ve heard the statistics: Opioid addiction is killing thousands of Americans each year. In 2023, more than 79,000 adults overdosed on opioids and an estimated 8.5 million adults abused opioids. 

But that’s the stats for adults. What is often overlooked is the impact on their kids. The fact is, by 2017, more than 1.4 million children were living with a parent addicted to opioids. This experience has both immediate and long-term effects on the children.

The Enduring Impacts of Parental Opioid Abuse

Parental opioid abuse and addiction impact a family in two main areas: behaviors and relationships. Substance abuse and its consequences affect the child’s relationship with the parent, and they affect the child’s behavior—both now and later.

Regarding the relationship with the parent, researchers have found that opioid abuse can cause the following negative behaviors in the parent: 

• Is less involved in the child’s life
• Acts more threatening or critical toward the child
• Takes out hardships on the child
• Demonstrates lack of care for the child
• Doesn’t understand cues from the child
• Frequently asks friends or family members to care for the child

Regarding the impact on the child’s behavior and long-term well-being, parental opioid abuse has been found to cause:

• Traumatic childhood events
• Lack of functional resilience in life 

Functional resilience refers to the ability to work, handle stress, remain sober, stay out of trouble with the law, and generally have a healthy life. Researchers interviewed individuals whose parents were on a methadone maintenance plan during their childhood, and they found that 76% of the children did not meet the requirements for functional resilience as adults. Additionally, 70% had at least two adverse childhood experiences. 

Support and Recovery Can Break the Cycle

While some recovery facilities focus solely on the individual experiencing an opioid use disorder, many programs offer support for their kids, too.

Family recovery services, counseling for children, and family counseling are available. These services can help break the cycles of addiction and trauma and provide hope for the next generation. 

Find Help and Support Today

If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, help is available. Recovery support, treatment programs, and NA meetings near you can provide guidance and hope for a healthier future.

Explore Narcotics Anonymous meetings in your area or call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) for immediate support.

Breaking the cycle of generational trauma starts with reaching out.