Attorney General David Yost, Pike County Sheriff Tracy D. Evans, Pike County Prosecuting Attorney Rob Junk, Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman, Scioto County Prosecuting Attorney Shane Tiernan, Portsmouth Police Chief
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Faculty-Led Program Helps Families Affected by Caregiver Substance Abuse Disorder
Sharon Kingston (far left) co-leads the Pennsylvania program for families affected by caregiver substance abuse. She s pictured above with research assistants Sagun Sharma 21 and Zori Hamilton 22. Photo by Claudia Bonaccorsi 22.
Grants support research, services in Pennsylvania, North Carolina
by MaryAlice Bitts-Jackson
Children exposed to substance abuse by parents and caregivers are at high risk of social, psychological, cognitive and behavioral issues. This makes a strong child-caregiver bond all the more important and all the more challenging, especially for caregivers already struggling with sobriety. Add in the stresses of a global pandemic on top of an opioid epidemic and the need for help is clear. Especially since children of caregivers suffering from substance abuse disorder are roughly twice as likely to repeat the cycle.