A study on the impact of drug-addicted parental behavior on the child's mind

Abstract

Background: According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, every human being under the age of 18 is considered a child. The research problem was to study the impact of parental drug use on the mentality of children and to study how it affects the socialization process. The study examined the deviant behavior, personality disorders, and social-emotional skills that arise from parental drug use. . Method: The study area selected for this research was Gohatuwa village in the Kolonnawa Divisional Secretariat Division of the Colombo District and children between the ages of 05-18 were selected under random sampling. Data were collected under primary and secondary sources. Observation, questionnaires and interviews were used under primary sources. Results: Analysis of the data obtained revealed that 32% of mothers use drugs and 68% of fathers are addicted to drugs. 17% of mothers use drugs daily, 83% of fathers use drugs daily. Their behavior patterns include bullying children, hitting children, bullying neighbors, etc. As a result, 34% are unable to do school work, 22% are unable to study, 7% are thinking about skipping school, 19% are angry with friends and neighbors, and 18% feel insecure at home. Conclusions: Accordingly, the research revealed that children suffer physically, mentally and socially due to parental drug use. The reasons identified were the low educational level of the parents, unemployment, lack of a clear understanding of the future, etc. The need to promote parent counseling is recognized and awareness about how parenthood affects the socialization of the child should be raised through schools. It was also identified that the intervention of state mechanisms to create a physically, mentally and socially safe environment should be further developed.