Pubdate: Sun, 22 Jan 2017
Source: Boston Globe (MA)
Copyright: 2017 Globe Newspaper Company
Contact: http://services.bostonglobe.com/news/opeds/letter.aspx?id=6340
Website: http://bostonglobe.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/52

PROGRAM HITS HOME IN TARGETING ADDICTS AND THEIR CHILDREN

I'd like to commend The Boston Globe for bringing attention to a new
home-based program for children and families affected by the opioid
epidemic ("A new program targets children of opioid addicts," Business,
Jan. 16). As the article notes, parental substance use disorders present
safety, developmental, and attachment-related risks to children, and this
is especially so for those under 5 years of age.

Sadly, the number of children affected by parental substance use disorders
in the United States has more than doubled. For example, from 1998 to
2012, cases in which children were removed from the home because of
parental alcohol or substance use rose from 14 to 31 percent of all cases
of children being removed.

However, in a catch-22 scenario, many parents are unable to gain access to
treatment for substance use disorders because they are caring for young
children. Home-based programs succeed by bringing treatment directly to
parents while engaging children in early-intervention services that offset
the impact of parental substance use disorders.

Thank you to the Globe for showcasing progress and innovation in
treatment, in contrast to the drumbeat of despair and hopelessness one
often sees in the media.

Shelley Steenrod

Salem

The writer is an associate professor in the School of Social Work at Salem
State University.
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