Inherited Shadows: Unravelling the Impact of Parental Substance Abuse on Child Mental Health

Abstract

Parental substance misuse is a serious global issue that disrupts family stability and negatively impacts children's mental health. Children in such environments often face emotional stress, inconsistent caregiving, and long-term psychological challenges. While research has shown clear links between parental substance use and adverse outcomes in children, the ways these effects are experienced and how some children develop resilience are still not fully understood. This narrative review analyses 31 peer-reviewed studies using thematic synthesis, combining data from clinical populations, longitudinal cohorts, and personal interviews. Five major themes emerged: increased psychiatric risks, intergenerational trauma, adverse childhood experiences, dysfunctional parenting, and inadequate interventions. Despite these challenges, some children show resilience through secure relationships, adaptive coping, and community support. However, most interventions lack cultural sensitivity and long-term focus. Future research should include children's voices and adopt cross-cultural, longitudinal approaches to create more effective, sustainable support systems.