A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals a staggering truth: nearly 19 million children in the U.S.—about one in four—live with at least one parent who has a substance use disorder (SUD). This marks a significant increase from previous estimates and highlights what those working on the frontlines of addiction have long understood: addiction is not just an individual struggle—it’s a family disease.
“These children are carrying invisible weights—confusion, fear, guilt, and trauma—often in silence,” says Emily Hage, President and CEO of First Call. “This new data validates what we’ve seen in our community for years. We have a responsibility to respond with urgency, empathy, and solutions.”
What Living with a Parent with SUD Looks Like
For children, growing up in a home where addiction is present can feel overwhelming. They may not know what version of their parent will greet them each day—will they be loving, distant, angry, asleep? This unpredictability creates chronic stress that can hinder emotional development and damage a child’s ability to trust others.
These children often assume adult responsibilities far too early—caring for younger siblings, trying to “fix” the family, or managing household duties. Many keep the family secret, afraid of judgment or punishment. The shame and confusion can be overwhelming. Without support, these children face a higher risk of mental health issues, academic challenges, and their own struggles with substance use later in life.
First Call: A Lifeline for Children and Families
In Kansas City, First Call is answering the call with targeted programs that create safe spaces and build resilience for youth living in households affected by addiction. The organization’s holistic approach addresses not just the child’s immediate needs, but the broader family system.
Youth Services include access to a full-time youth counselor who provides year-round support through one-on-one counseling, group classes, and school-based programs. First Call’s Summer CARE Camp gives children the chance to be kids again—connecting with peers, sharing their stories, and engaging in therapeutic activities designed to help them process complex emotions.
But First Call doesn’t stop with children. Recognizing that healing must include the entire family, the organization offers a suite of Family Support Services designed to educate, empower, and connect loved ones impacted by substance use. These services include the How to Cope support group, which provides a safe and confidential space for adults and caregivers to process their own experiences and learn healthy coping strategies. The organization also offers family counseling, multi-generational support, and customized referrals.
Addiction is a family disease. We know for every one person with addiction, 10 people around them are impacted.
Partnering with Schools and Caregivers
First Call also partners with educators, coaches, and caregivers—the adults who interact with children most often outside the home. Through professional development trainings and workshops, First Call equips these adults to identify signs of trauma, respond appropriately, and offer compassionate support. By increasing understanding in these spaces, First Call is helping build a safety net that extends beyond the family’s four walls.
“This study isn’t just a statistic—it’s a call to action,” says Hage. “These kids are in our classrooms, our churches, our neighborhoods. First Call is here to remind them they’re not alone—and that there is hope.”
You Can Help Us Be the Difference
The findings shared in this national study may be broad, but their implications are deeply personal—and very local. Kansas City’s children are being affected every day by substance use in their homes. And every day, First Call is working to be a consistent, caring presence that can help change the outcome.
Your support makes that possible. Whether it’s through donating, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, you can help us reach more children and families in need.
To learn more, get involved, or make a donation, visit www.firstcallkc.org or call (816) 361-5900.
Let’s end the addiction crisis—together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many children in the U.S. are affected by parental addiction?
Recent studies show that about one in four children—nearly 19 million nationwide—live with at least one parent who has a substance use disorder (SUD). This means a significant number of kids are navigating the challenges of addiction at home.
2. What kinds of challenges do children face when a parent struggles with addiction?
Children often experience confusion, fear, guilt, and trauma. They may take on adult responsibilities prematurely, struggle with trust and emotional development, and risk facing mental health and academic difficulties without proper support.
3. How can I find support as a children whose parent has an addiction?
First Call provides a range of services, including year-round counseling with a dedicated youth counselor, group classes, the Summer CARE Camp—a therapeutic and fun camp experience—and school-based programs to help kids process their feelings and build resilience.
4. Where can I find support and help for families affected by addicition?
First Call offers family counseling, support groups like How to Cope, educational resources, and referrals designed to help entire families heal and break generational cycles of substance us