Dangers of Children with Drug-Using Problems

Throughout the textbook that we are reading, thus far it has been prevalent that children in the homes of substance users/abusers are in danger emotionally, physically, and mentally. However, so far in our text, there has been nothing to indicate the dangers that surround those children with drug-using parents, fathers in particular. It is very interesting to take note of how children with specifically drug-using fathers are affected by their drug use and not just the children, but also the entire household of the drug-using father. The study that was done to test the attachment style of parents as well as their cohesion and adaptability was a fascinating story in a number of ways. The sole fact that fathers were the main subjects, the participants that way being studied and their culture, and the entire outcome of the study were all very interesting findings. The results were indeed very unpredictable.

To begin, those who were involved in the study of drug-using fathers and the parent’s within that household’s attachment and adaptability styles, were Israeli. I enjoy that the fact that thus far, this textbook has considered different subjects in all of their topics presented. The textbook has “thought outside of the box” in every possible aspect in my opinion, and for that I am grateful for it allows the reader to break mental and tangible stereotypes that may have been formed by the society at large. This study was not “typical” or stereotypical in their subject usage and this helps to broaden horizons and expand one’s knowledge base. Using Israeli’s, as a subject was interesting, as I personally do not think that people think about non-Americans having issues such as drug abuse or use. I greatly appreciate being introduced to another culture’s problems that I would normally only associate with a select group of people. The text bringing awareness is a very important aspect at this point.

Discovering different styles of attachment from both parents and children was very interesting as well as important to the study that was done. Attachment is the core bond that explains relationships between parents, children, and their emotional and social development. The type of attachment that parents have will dictate the way in which care and protection is supplied in the family and the household. Attachment styles are also indicative of marital relations as well as the way in which parents behave towards their children. The attachment styles that were explained, secure, avoidant, and anxious/ambivalent, all make sense in how explanations and in the ways that they affect parents and children. Those with a secure attachment style are confident with great social skills and are able to handle stressful situations with care. Those with am anxious/ambivalent attachment style are emotionally dependent, have anxiety problems, and are easily irritated