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Children growing up in the chaos, neglect, and violence of a
clandestine Meth lab environment experience stress and trauma that
significantly affect their overall safety and health, including their
behavioral, emotional, and mental functioning. They often exhibit low
self-esteem, a sense of shame, and poor social skills.
Consequences may include emotional and mental health
problems, delinquency, teen pregnancy, school absenteeism and failure,
isolation, and poor peer relations. Without effective intervention,
many will imitate their parents and caretakers when they themselves
become adults, engaging in criminal or violent behavior, inappropriate
conduct, and alcohol and drug abuse.
Many children
who live in drug homes exhibit an attachment disorder, which occurs
when parents or caretakers fail to respond to an infant’s basic needs
or do so unpredictably. These children typically do not cry or show
emotion when separated from their parents. Symptoms of attachment
disorder include the inability to trust, form relationships, and
adapt. Attachment disorders place children at greater risk for later
criminal behavior and substance abuse. To minimize long-term damage,
children from these environments require mental health interventions
and stable, nurturing caregivers.
Dept. of Justice OVC
Learn More About:
Abuse-Neglect
Living Conditions
Social Problems
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