Addressing Children and Families within the National Drug Control Strategy

SYNOPSIS: In recognition of the potentially devastating effects on family well-being related to opioids and caregiver substance use in the United-States including increasing rates of overdose among individuals of reproductive age, opioid-related pediatric fatalities, and family disruptions, this commentary provides an expanded approach for policy frameworks to meaningfully integrate children, parents, and families. Building from the White House’s 2022 National Drug Control Strategy, this commentary identifies actionable opportunities to incorporate children, parents, and family approaches in each of seven key areas of action to abate the harms of opioids. Too often in the U.S., the needs of caregivers with substance use disorder and the needs of their children are viewed as separate from one another and, sometimes, even in competition. An integrated understanding of substance use with family lens must be a priority to comprehensively address the harms of opioids.