A Public Health Approach to Preventing Intergenerational Transmission of Substance Use Disorder: Applying a Social Determinants of Health Framework to Child Welfare and Across Systems

Reinforced by stigmatizing drug war policies, some responses to parental substance use have caused trauma to families, paradoxically increasing the risk of problematic substance use for children and parents. Solutions that interrupt intergenerational transmission of substance use disorder are necessary. We review the evidence and practical considerations for an increased focus on addressing parental social determinants of health to counter parental substance use and support the welfare of both parents and children.