Alcohol, Drugs and Child Abuse

1356 Words3 Pages

Dare to envision a young child who is helplessly beaten, who starves every night because her mother decided to spend the money on her drug habit, or visualize a child that is always covering up for his mother because the police are questioning why he is always home alone. These things are not uncommon, child abuse and neglect happen in staggering numbers all over the country. Cases of child abuse and neglect are reported every ten seconds in the United States. This is an ongoing issue, that not only affects the present, but it will increase complication in the future as well. There are many things that are a result of child abuse that follows them through into their adulthood such as, poor physical health, poor emotional and mental health, social difficulties, cognitive dysfunction, high-risk health behaviors, and behavioral problems. It also increases the chance of imprisonment, substance abuse and a higher chance of being involved in crime. These problems are not only a dilemma for them but it also has a negative effect on society. According to Websters dictionary child abuse is any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or an act or failure to act, which presents an imminent risk of serious harm. Over the past decade researchers have reported higher recurrences of health problems in survivors of childhood abuse including a wide range of issues like, ischemic heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, diabetes, skeletal fractures, and hepatitis. They are also sick more often, develop drug habits and alcoholic tendencies. They are more likely to have eating disorders, sleeping problems, even sui... ... middle of paper ... ...d has this issue in a foster home it makes them unlikely to find a home. Therefore the state or government still has custody. Not only does child abuse and neglect affect that child, it affects the state, country, and everyone else. Child abuse and neglect affects all involved and all not involved. Abuse and neglect of children has its toll on society. There are many other symptoms that happen when alcohol and drugs are used in the home of a child. Including education problems and the use of these drugs and alcoholism being passed down from the parent to the child. When substance abuse is passed down to the child it is an ugly vicious cycle that usually is never stopped. In conclusion if the country could break this cycle, than it would help reduce the cost of imprisonment, health care, hospitalization, and supporting parentless children.

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