How parenting can break the cycle of substance use across generations - The Times of India

February 16, 2026 - 06:47

Substance use rarely appears out of nowhere in a child’s life. It can grow inside homes, shaped by daily routines, stress, silence, and example. Experts emphasize that a family history of substance use does not determine a child's future, but it does require conscious, proactive parenting to break the chain.

The intergenerational cycle is often fueled by a combination of genetic predisposition and learned behavior. Children in these environments may normalize substance use as a coping mechanism for stress or conflict. They might also experience higher levels of childhood adversity, which is a known risk factor.

Breaking this cycle hinges on creating a fundamentally different home environment. This involves moving from silence to open, age-appropriate communication about risks and health. It requires parents to model healthy stress management without reliance on substances. Establishing strong, secure emotional bonds is critical, as this connection builds a child's resilience and self-esteem.

Furthermore, fostering a stable routine, encouraging positive peer interactions, and openly acknowledging family history without stigma are powerful tools. By consciously choosing responsive over reactive parenting, adults can rewrite the narrative, offering their children new coping scripts and a path toward a healthier future.