There are many negative physical effects that result from drug abuse. However, it is now widely recognized that substance abuse affects not only the individual with the drug and alcohol problem, but also the family members with whom they live. The most obvious effects if drug and alcohol abuse on the American family are found in the records of child welfare agencies and family court documents.
If one member of the family abuses alcohol or drugs, every member of that family is affected. Substance abuse is implicated in many cases of divorce. Negative effects may also accrue to children who just witness domestic violence. Children of drug-abusing parents are more likely to get involved in drug abuse and delinquency than the children of non-abusers.
