Faculty Sponsor: Emmanuel Kaparakis
Live Poster Session: Zoom Link
Abstract: Parental alcohol and tobacco use significantly impacts children’s future substance use, with long-term consequences for public health and social welfare. Additionally, parental misuse disrupts family dynamics, affecting attachment and communication. This study examines the relationship between childhood exposure to household alcohol and tobacco use and subsequent substance use patterns in adulthood. Preliminary data indicates that children exposed to parental substance use show reduced well-being across multiple domains, including physical, psychological, and social areas. Specifically, a meta-analysis reveals a statistically significant detriment to child well-being due to parental substance abuse with alcohol and tobacco. Moreover, these children tend to initiate substance use earlier and experience accelerated transitions to substance disorders. This research aims to identify specific factors within the home environment that contribute to increased risk of future substance use by analyzing longitudinal data on parental substance use, substance access within the household, and children’s outcomes over time. This comprehensive analysis will inform targeted prevention efforts and interventions to break cycles of intergenerational substance abuse.