The impact of parental substance use on the child

This course will benefit practitioners working in the AOD sector, and professionals working in adult-focused services with parent-clients who use substances. It recognises the interrelated nature of substance use and mental health concerns, financial difficulties, family and domestic violence, homelessness, poverty and child protection issues.

As you progress through this course, you will work towards understanding:

• the nature and prevalence of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use in Australia
• some of the risks to children’s social and emotional wellbeing associated with parental substance use
• a view of parental substance use that enables child-focused approaches
• the importance of identifying and responding to issues of parental substance use in ways that prevent immediate and long-term consequences for children’s social and emotional wellbeing.

It is estimated that this course will take you one hour to complete, including reading material and watching videos.

You can undertake the course across multiple sessions at your own pace. The last screen you visit before logging off will be bookmarked, and you will have the option of returning to that screen when you next log in.

As you work through the course, it is important to be aware of your own emotional responses. Please follow the self-care tips below and seek help if needed:

• We do not recommend undertaking the entire course in one sitting. Give yourself some breaks. Even if you don’t feel that you need a break, it’s a good idea to take one anyway and come back later.
• Be aware of your emotions as you progress through the course, and take action if you are starting to feel stressed or upset. For example, consider taking a break and doing something for yourself that you enjoy.
• Be aware of your emotional responses after you complete the course.

If at any point you find you are struggling, please talk with your supervisor, seek help, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or SANE Australia on 1800 18 7263.

For the purpose of this course, the term parent encompasses the biological and adoptive parents of a child, as well as individuals who have chosen to take up a primary or shared responsibility in raising that child. 

Social and emotional wellbeing refers to the way a person thinks and feels about themselves and others. It incorporates behavioural and emotional strengths and is a facet of child development.¹

Social and emotional development involves the development of skills required to:

• identify and understand one’s feelings 
• read and understand the emotional states of other people 
• manage strong emotions and how they are expressed 
• regulate behaviour 
• develop empathy
• establish and maintain relationships.²

This course draws on the latest research, clinical insights, and the lived experience of our child and family partners. We’d like to thank the professionals and families who played an integral role in shaping this course, generously offering their time, wisdom and unique perspectives.

Watch the following video for a quick guide on how to navigate Emerging Minds Learning courses.