Current best estimates indicate that 40-60,000 children may be affected by parental drug misuse. The immediate effects of this can include children being at risk principally of neglect, but also of emotional and physical abuse. Long-term risks can also include poor physical and mental health. Growing up in a household where parents are using drugs and alcohol can affect the life chances of the child for the worse and exacerbate health inequalities.
Many young people experiment and take drugs - including tobacco, alcohol and cannabis - for a variety of reasons, without progressing further. These young people come from all social backgrounds and all parts of the country. The most important factors determining whether people experiment appear to be early years experiences, family relationships and circumstances, and parental attitudes and behaviours. There also appears to be strong links between truancy and other forms of delinquency
Children and young people in this situation require particular support and care to ensure they share in the same high aspirations and outcomes we want for all of Scotland's children. Here are some examples of services in Scotland that are focussed on suopporting children and young people in need of help and support.