Good families reduce drug use
There is a strong connection between family breakdown and drug use.
Scientific research shows that children from broken homes are much more likely to succumb to drug use.
- A 1987 University of California & Los Angeles (UCLA) study pointed out that inadequate family structure makes children more susceptible to drug use as a coping mechanism to relieve depression and anxiety.
- A 1988 UCLA study concluded that whilst mothers were more active in helping youngsters with personal problems and drug use the father's role was more important. Among the homes with strict fathers only 18% of youngsters used alcohol or drugs whilst in mother dominated homes 35% used drugs frequently.
- A 1995 US study of 1700 youths found that adolescents growing up in a single parent or step parent home often feel estranged and drifted into drug use.
- A New Zealand study of 1000 children over 15 years found that children that have watched their parents separate are more likely to use illegal drugs.
- Studies by Needle, and Needle & Doherty in the early 1990's found a high correlation between juvenile drug use and non-intact households.
- Dr. Tony Nicholson of Hanover Welfare Services has argued that a key measure in reducing drug use is the strenghtening of families.
- A 2000 study of drug use in Footscray found that along with unemployment, family breakdown was an important factor in drug use.
THE DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS-
More detoxification & rehabilitation that gets illicit drug users drug free.
Court ordered and supervised detoxification & rehabilitation.
Less illicit drug users, drug pushers and drug related crimes.
HEROIN FACT SHEET 3
