The Opioid Crisis Is Causing Grandparents To Become Caregivers Again
Summary
The U.S. is battling a years-long, devastating opioid epidemic. Last year saw 79,770 reported opioid-involved drug overdose deaths, a 1.5 percent decrease from the previous year, according to data from the CDC.
Nevertheless, the opioid crisis has upended traditional family structures.Many parents have died from overdosing, become incarcerated, or are otherwise unable to care for their children due to substance abuse.
As a result, more and more children are being raised primarily by their grandparents in what are known as grandfamilies.
Source: National Public Radio (2023). The Opioid Crisis is Causing Grandparents to Become Caregivers Again.