Substance Abuse Two Times More Likely Among Children of Divorce
Family breakups and the psychological distress exhibited by separated or divorcing parents take a large toll on adolescents, according to a report in Pediatrics. Researchers surveyed 2,346 adolescents and 1,983 parents and found that substance abuse, including alcohol abuse, was two-times more likely among children who were going through a family breakup than those who were not. Behavioral disorders and levels of depression and anxiety were also higher. According to the research, witnessing violence between parents strongly affects the psychological distress faced by adolescents who are going through a family breakup. To learn how to help your child cope with divorce or separation, click here.
