According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in 2015, thirty-three thousand Americans died as a result of the opioid epidemic. In 2016, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reported more than 42,0000 deaths, which totaled to 116 Americans losing their lives to this addiction each and every day. In addition to the many lives lost and damaged directly from opioid addiction, there’s one population many have failed to address: the children in these families, particularly the ones who have to go through foster care.
The American Psychological Association (APA) claims that from 2013 to 2015, the total number of children in foster care surged nationwide, from 7% to nearly 429,000 children. Dr. John Kelly, associate professor of psychiatry and addiction medicine at Harvard Medical School, stated, “Because we’re trying to put out the fire in terms of stopping overdose deaths, we haven’t really been attending to other casualties, including kids most importantly.”
With parental misuse being higher than ever, children are being forced to travel from one foster home to another – and it’s taking a major toll on the system, families, and ultimately, the children. The National Public Radio (NPR) states that Indiana has seen the largest one-year increase in foster children cases due to the opioid epidemic; Judge Marilyn Moores, who oversees Indianapolis and surrounding towns, told NPR, “We’ve gone from having 2,500 children in care, three years ago, to having 5,500 kids in care. It has just exploded our systems.”
Previous research has shown that quality foster care entails helping children heal from trauma, keeping siblings together, increasing a child’s stability and overall well-being, and ensuring that a child achieves permanency in a forever home. With so many children in the foster care system, and some states, such as Indiana, being overwhelmed with endless cases and not enough time, children’s’ wellbeing is being placed at stake.
If you are currently struggling with opioid addiction or opiate addiction, consider the impact this could have on your child, and seek help now. You are not alone, and recovery is possible.
Everyone has a story that starts before treatment. Everyone has a story that changes when treatment is over. Let The Guest House Ocala show you the way to recovery from trauma, addictions, and related mental health issues. Call us today for information on our residential treatment programs, concierge customization, and life at the estate: 1-855-483-7800