Journal of Student Research 2018

18 Journal Student Research their mothers and made to feel as if they were not adequate individuals. Each of the participants experienced the trauma of a separation amongst their biological parents. This created household dysfunction in each case. Each of the three participants were exposed to alcohol and/or street drugs by their parents during childhood. This exposure created a negative view of alcohol/street drugs for each participant. They each said they were more likely to avoid these substances and later situations where they might be exposed to them. Participants 1 and 3 experienced criminal activity in their household by their older brothers. This was emotionally conflicting for them as they were each close to their brothers. Participant 3 was brought to visit her brother while he was incarcerated. Although this could be a traumatic experience for some, she said she did not feel threatened. Each participant experienced some form of neglect during their childhood. Participant 1 said that her mother was often out of town, leaving her to care for herself. During these times she would not have supervision or adequate meals. She got a part-time job as soon as she was of age, so she could buy groceries. Participant 2 said that while her physical needs were always met, her emotional needs were often neglected. Her mother would regularly black out from being intoxicated. This led to her feeling disconnected from her mother and enhanced her feelings of depression. Participant 3 said that because of her mother’s alcohol and other substance use, she and her brother were often left to care for themselves. Neglect Shifting the focus from substance users to the children of these users is crucial to ensuring the children’s safety and well-being. When an individual is suffering from a drug dependency disorder, they are often sent to treatment to manage their habits and offer them the skills necessary to recover. Unfortunately, there is usually no treatment for the children affected by the substance use. This leaves children at a disadvantage, as the effects of their exposure to the abuse are not taken into consideration. Having a system that focuses on the children in these situations will lead to the strengthening of younger generations while limiting the negative effects that substance use has on children. Each of the three participants said they were exposed to alcohol on a frequent basis in their childhood homes. The majority of the drinking was done by their mothers. This influenced their relationships with their mothers, who were not mentally or emotionally available while intoxicated. Substance Use