Nearly 19 Million U.S. Children Live With a Parent With Substance Use Disorder
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A staggering 19 million U.S. children were estimated to be living in a household with at least one parent battling a substance use disorder (SUD) in 2023, according to a new study based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
This figure accounts for nearly one-quarter of all children in the United States, highlighting the prevalence of parental substance abuse among young individuals.
The findings also revealed that more than 6.1 million children lived with a parent facing both SUD and a mental illness, such as major depressive disorder or serious psychological distress.
The study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed data from over 62 million parents—and defined SUD according to the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
These criteria include disorders related to alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, prescription drugs and other substances.
Mother alcoholic drinks alcohol from a bottle with child is foreground covering ears.
Mother alcoholic drinks alcohol from a bottle with child is foreground covering ears.
Alexander_Safonov
Researchers highlighted the serious risks faced by children exposed to parental SUD.
Compared to their peers, these children are more likely to develop a range of adverse outcomes, including early substance use initiation, substance-related problems and mental health disorders.
The study provided a detailed breakdown, revealing that 7.6 million children lived with a parent experiencing moderate or severe SUD, while 3.4 million lived with a parent struggling with multiple SUDs.
Among parental substance use disorders, alcohol was the most common, followed by cannabis, prescription-related issues and other non-cannabis drug use disorders.
Experts emphasized that these findings are a call to action for federal, state and local governments to invest in family-centered interventions.
These children are particularly vulnerable to adverse childhood experience, the researchers noted—and without support, they may continue the cycle of substance use and mental health struggles.
The study also acknowledged its limitations, including the reliance on self-reported data, suggesting that the actual number of children affected may be even higher.
"Additionally, the number of offspring in the household was truncated at three, suggesting that estimates represented the lower bound of youths exposed to parental SUD," the researchers noted.
"Direct comparison of the impact of DSM-IV-defined vs DSM-5-defined parental SUD severity is an important step for future research," they wrote.
With nearly one in four American children impacted by a parent's substance use disorder, the study's authors are urging greater awareness and support for these families.
Evidence-based treatments for both SUD and mental illness, particularly those that include family support, could help mitigate the long-term consequences for these vulnerable children.
Do you have a tip on a health story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about substance use disorder? Let us know via science@newsweek.com.
Reference
McCabe, S. E., McCabe, V. V., & Schepis, T. S. (2025). US children living with a parent with substance use disorder. JAMA Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.0828
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Woman Makes Horrifying Discovery About Entire Apartment: 'See a Doctor'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The comfort of home was shattered for one woman who made a horrific discovery about her apartment. In a chilling TikTok video, the creator said that her entire apartment was consumed by mold—she showed viewers widespread black and dark discoloration on walls, furniture and personal items. Since the clip was posted, it has received more than 8 million views. "I'm actually on the verge of tears," the woman began in her video. "My whole apartment is mold. I did not realize it was this bad. I didn't notice it." As she pans the camera, the extent of the damage becomes terrifyingly clear. "I'm looking at this, and I'm like, 'Huh. That's, like, darker than I remember it.' This is all mold." The discovery extended beyond walls and into her personal belongings—including her wall mirror and even her Ugg boots. "I don't know if I just haven't been looking at these things, or it just happened so gradually, but my entire apartment is literally mold," she said. The Psychological Impact The woman's shock and disbelief resonated with many, as mold can often spread subtly before becoming overtly noticeable. Newsweek spoke to Phil Macleod, a therapist and founder of Thought Reader, who offered insight into why such a pervasive issue might go unnoticed. "When you're familiar with a place such as your home, you stop seeing it with fresh eyes as you are too used to or familiar with the surroundings," Macleod said. "This is because the brain naturally filters out what it deems unthreatening, so gradual changes like spreading mold can go unnoticed until there's a noticeable visual or sensory 'shock' that suddenly stops you in your tracks." This sudden realization can be deeply unsettling, leading to a "fight or flight" response that releases cortisol and adrenaline. Macleod added that the experience can be "deeply unsettling." "Our homes are often our prized possession; they are supposed to be our sanctuaries," he said. "When that space feels threatened, it can feel as if your entire sense of safety has been turned upside down, leaving you vulnerable, shaken and shocked." Stock image: A woman sits on her apartment floor, looking at mold on the walls. Stock image: A woman sits on her apartment floor, looking at mold on the walls. Visivasnc/Getty Images Urgent Advice From Commenters Beyond the emotional toll, the discovery of mold in one's home carries significant health risks. TikTok commenters swiftly advised the woman to prioritize her well-being. "Mold tech here," one person wrote. "All soft items can be washed. All hard items, wiped, sterilized. Porous items toss. Move. And see a doctor. Detox. This job is huge." Another user, who had personal experience, reinforced the medical warning: "Please also see a doctor," they wrote. "I moved out of a moldy apartment a year ago and I am still struggling with the aftermath health-wise." In an update, the creator shared that she consulted a mold expert who told her to evacuate her apartment so he could test the air quality. "I'm gonna pack up some things, get a lot of vinegar and skedaddle," she said in the video. "He told me that I shouldn't be in here without a mask, but I've been living here for a good bit of time now, so what's another hour? I'm gonna go pack." Newsweek reached out to @ava_dettore5 for comment via TikTok.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Popular Fruit is Overlooked Superfood, Researcher Claims
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Fresh grapes may be overlooked nutritional powerhouses that are deserving of "superfood" status. This is the argument laid out by biochemist professor John Pezzuto of Massachusetts' Western New England University in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, who explains how eating grapes can bring health benefits. While the term "superfood" lacks a formal definition or established criteria, Pezzuto notes that such typically refers to foods that are rich in beneficial plant compounds, like those commonly found in the Mediterranean diet. Mainstream superfoods include berries, leafy greens, nuts, olive oil and legumes, among others. A stock image shows a person snacking on a juicy grape. A stock image shows a person snacking on a juicy grape. getty images Grapes are a natural source of more than 1,600 compounds—including antioxidants and other polyphenols such as flavonoids, anthocyanidins, catechins, phenolic acids, resveratrol. Polyphenols are primarily credited with the health benefits of grapes thanks to their antioxidant activity and effect on cellular processes. According to Pezzuto, more than sixty peer-reviewed studies have linked grape consumption with positive outcomes across the body, from boosting cardiovascular and , brain to helping out the skin, gut and more. Grapes have been proven to promote the relaxation of blood vessels as well as healthy circulation, as well as modulating cholesterol levels. They also enhance UV resistance, reduce DNA damage in skin cells, and increase gut microbiome diversity. Moreover, grape consumption has been shown to positively alter gene expression. One study published in the journal Food Production, Processing and Nutrition has even associated grape consumption with a decreased risk of chronic diseases, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Packed with vitamins C and K, as well as potassium, these fruit can also help protect the immune system—and thanks to their water content they can be a great way to keep hydrated. Pezzuto's study has been publicized by the California Table Grape Commission, which acts to maintain and expand markets for fresh California grapes. Commission president Ian LeMay said in a statement: "Dr. Pezzuto shows that based on the science, grapes are indeed a superfood, and should be recognized as such, and we are hopeful that using this nomenclature in association with grapes becomes common practice." Do you have a health story to share with Newsweek? Do you have a question about superfoods? Let us know via science@ References de Almeida Sousa Cruz, M. A., de Barros Elias, M., Calina, D., Sharifi-Rad, J., & Teodoro, A. J. (2024). Insights into grape-derived health benefits: A comprehensive overview. Food Production, Processing and Nutrition, 6(1), 91. Pezzuto, J. M. (2025). Perspective: Are Grapes Worthy of the Moniker Superfood? Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
These Popular Mushroom Kits Might Be Causing Environmental Harm
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Bright yellow golden oyster mushrooms, prized for their nutty flavor and easy cultivation, have surged in popularity thanks to at-home growing kits. But new research warns that these kits may be unleashing an invasive species into North American forests. A study conducted by researchers in Wisconsin found that trees colonized by golden oyster mushrooms hosted about half as many native fungal species as those without them. DNA analysis from elm tree samples showed that the presence of this invasive fungus, Pleurotus citrinopileatus, reduced both the diversity and composition of native fungi. Stock image of mushrooms. Stock image of mushrooms. Photo by chengyuzheng / Getty Images Aishwarya Veerabahu, a co-author of the study and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, wrote in The Conversation that the invasive species had displaced fungi such as the mossy maze polypore and the elm oyster. According to Veerabahu, when native species are pushed out, researchers lose the opportunity to study their potential benefits. "I think [mushroom growers] very likely could introduce other types of invasive mushrooms," Veerabahu told Newsweek in an email. "I have my eye on the other non-native species of oyster mushrooms, but in truth it can be any." 'A simple but vital joy' Fungi serve as natural recyclers, breaking down dead wood and plant material and converting it into nutrients that enrich the soil. They also support climate regulation by storing carbon and helping other plants absorb water and nutrients. Disruption to these fungal communities could weaken forest ecosystems already strained by habitat loss and climate change. Veerabahu added that "the invasion of golden oysters risks erasing a simple, but vital, joy of seeing different, colorful, incredible fungi in the forest". "Every winter after the snow melts, fungi growing on dead wood are often the first ones to pop up, and I so love to see them again," she told Newsweek. "Golden oysters might make that experience non-existent. "Fungal biodiversity deserves to exist, period. Moving non-native fungi around the world puts fungal biodiversity at risk, along with everything they have to offer us: vital ecosystem processes, therapeutic medicines, and a deeper understanding of the natural world." What To Know The golden oyster mushroom, native to eastern Asia, was introduced to North America in the early 2000s and gained popularity through home-growing kits and cultivation on outdoor logs. While most cultivated mushrooms remain harmless, golden oysters have spread rapidly since escaping cultivation and are now reported in 25 U.S. states and parts of Canada. "As far as we know, this is the first cultivated species that has escaped," Veerabahu told Newsweek. "So even if a few people had an inkling, most people didn't know this could happen, and it's certainly not anyone's fault." What People Are Saying Veerabahu urged caution in The Conversation: "I recommend that people consider refraining from using golden oyster mushroom grow kits to prevent any new introductions. "For people who make a living selling these mushrooms, consider adding a note that this species is invasive and should be cultivated indoors and not composted." What's Next Veerabahu told Newsweek she plans to continue studying golden oyster mushrooms. Specifically, Veerabahu plans to examine whether the mushrooms have evolved to be genetically distinct from native populations. She also plans to examine the perspectives and priorities of stakeholders in golden oyster mushrooms and how they can be managed going forward.
