Tobacco, Drugs, Alcohol, and Parenting

Everyone knows, or should know that Tobacco, Alcohol, and other Drugs simply don’t mix with pregnancy. There can be adverse affects on the fetus as well as the mothers when any of these substances are consumed while pregnant. The actual affect varies not only with the amount consumed; but by the timing as well. For example: a small amount of alcohol can have a larger, more negative effect on the unborn child at one stage of the pregnancy than a little more alcohol would at another.


What many people do not know, is the negative effect these substances have both on parenting and the health and wellbeing of the child.

Generally people understand that these substances are not healthy for children; however, there are a number of reasons they are especially (“especially” because they are toxic for adults as well) toxic for children and teens. Young people’s bodies and BRAINS are still forming into young adulthood. Toxic substances have a lifelong negative effect on the bodies and brains of children, adolescents, and young adults.

Some substances (such as Meth) and substance abuse in general is absolutely and completely incompatible with even adequate parenting. Not only does it have an impact on the eventual use of the substance by the child; but seriously and negatively effects employment, school work, socialization, citizenship, morality…and the list goes on and on.



Supplemental Research Material

Parenting and Alcohol


Parenting and Drugs


Parenting and Tobacco


Pregnancy and Tobacco


Pregnancy and Alcohol


Pregnancy and Drugs


Fetal Alcohol Syndrome


Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and the Brain


Visualizing Addiction - Neuroscientists Show Kids Effects of Drugs on Brain

Mums who drink in pregnancy have unruly kids