There is a strong connection between traumatic stress and substance use that affects children and families, whether the user is an adolescent or a parent or caregiver. Research studies have shown that adolescents who engage in substance misuse are more vulnerable to experiencing traumatic events and develop PTSD, depression, aggressive behavior, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health problems compared to those who do not use substances. Additionally, teens exposed to traumatic events are more vulnerable to using substances to cope with their distress. Psychoactive substances can both dull the effects of stress and place teens at increased risk for experiencing trauma. Caregiver substance use carries many risks for child and adolescent development. Starting even before children are born, parental substance use increases children's risk for later mental health problems and victimization. Children and adolescents with whose parents use substances may be exposed to other high-risk situations, such as violence in the home and community. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has compiled a list of helpful resources for parents and caregivers, children and teens, mental health providers, child welfare workers, law enforcement professionals, educators and school staff, and policy makers.

Understanding the Links between Adolescent Trauma and Substance Abuse: A Toolkit for Providers (2nd Edition)
Explores the complex connections between traumatic stress and substance abuse. This toolkit provides guidelines for identifying, engaging, and treating adolescents suffering from these co-occurring problems.

Child Trauma and Opioid Use: Policy Implications
Provides policymakers and others with an overview of how substance use and trauma affects children, adolescents, and families; substance use-related impaired caregiving; and the impact of the opioid crisis on children and families. This policy brief offers recommendations for clinical interventions and training, as well as prevention efforts.

The Power of Parenting: How to Help Your Child After the Death of a Sibling From Substance Use or Overdose
Offers parents and caregivers information to help support their surviving children after the death of a sibling due to substance use or overdose. This fact sheet includes information on helping children cope with stigma and shame, understanding the wide range of reactions that different family members may experience, coping with how substance use influences the family over time, adapting to loss, and prioritizing self-care and support for the parents or caregivers.

Supporting Caregivers of Youth with Substance Use Problems Affected by Trauma
Provides a picture of the challenges experienced by families caring for youth with trauma and substance use. This webinar addresses the effect of trauma and substance use in the context of the family; offers information on promising practices, supports, and resources for families; identifies ways in which trauma and substance use are linked for youth and families; discusses the effect of youth substance use and family trauma on family functioning; and gives promising practices, supports, and resources for families.

The Role of Trauma Among Families Struggling with Substance Abuse
Offers perspectives on the intersections between trauma, caregiver substance use, parenting, and prenatal substance use exposure.

Addressing Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence in Families Affected by Substance Use
Describes the connections between intimate partner violence and substance use. This webinar discusses the impact of challenges on parenting and children and suggests strategies for working with affected families.

Opiate Exposed Newborns: Development, Assessment and Treatment
Discusses the potential impact of opiates on the developing fetus and the baby. This webinar features three experts in the field of neonatal abstinence syndrome and one consumer, with first-hand experience, who describe the potential impact of opiates on the developing fetus, how medical staff assess and support babies and families exposed to opiates, and tips and techniques for parents and providers as they transition from the hospital to either the family's home or a residential treatment facility.

Prenatal Exposure to Substances and Trauma: Fostering Parent and Child Well-being
Provides information about the effects of prenatal exposure to substances and trauma on children. This webinar discusses assessment and treatment approaches for youth and caregivers, as well as the story of a parent who has experienced the challenges associated with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.