Preventive Education for Children Affected by Parental Substance Use: Policy Opportunities for the European Pillar of Social Rights
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Jun 29, 2026
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Abstract
This paper explores how selected principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights – particularly those related to education, equal opportunities, and childcare – can provide a framework for developing preventive measures to support children affected by parental substance use. Using a qualitative policy analysis approach, the study examines existing prevention and social support programmes in Romania, focusing on their alignment with the European Pillar of Social Rights objectives. It also integrates statistical data on health and physical activity levels in Romania compared to other European Union member states. The analysis highlights the potential of physical activity programmes as innovative tools for prevention and social inclusion, particularly given the low levels of physical activity among Romanians and its multiple benefits for physical and mental health. Findings emphasise the need for integrated, multi-sectoral policies that bridge healthcare, education, and social services to better prevent the reproduction of parental risk patterns among children affected by parental substance use. The study aims to formulate policy-oriented recommendations for enhancing early prevention and promoting social inclusion in line with the European Pillars of Social Rights framework.
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How to Cite
TELEOACĂ, A.-M. (2026). Preventive Education for Children Affected by Parental Substance Use: Policy Opportunities for the European Pillar of Social Rights. Sociologie Românească, 24(1), 64-86. https://doi.org/10.33788/sr.24.1.3
References
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Bailey, R. (2017). Sport, physical activity and educational achievement – towards an explanatory, Sport in society, 20(7), 768-788. DOI: 10.1080/17430437.2016.1207756.
Broning, S., Wiedow, A., Wartberg, L., Ruths, S., Haevelmann, A., Kindermann, S. S., Thomas, R. (2012). Targeting children of substance-using parents with the community-based group intervention TRAMPOLINE: A randomised controlled trial – design, evaluation, recruitment issues, BMC Public Health. DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-223.
Brook, J. S., Whiteman, M., Gordon, A., & Cohen, P. (1986). Some models and mechanisms for explaining the impact of maternal and adolescent characteristics on adolescent stage of drug use, Developmental Psychology, 22(4), 460-467.
Carrellan, A. M., Robles, M. T., Gimenez-Fuentes-Guerra, F. J., & Macias, M. R. (2025). Educational Interventions Through Physical Activity for Addiction Prevention in Adolescent Students – A Systematic Review, Education Sciences, 15(3). DOI: 10.3390/educsci15030348.
European Commission (2017). European Pillar of Social Rights. Publications Office. DOI: 10.2792/16347.
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European Commission (2024). Commission Reccomendation of 23.4.2024 on developing and strengthening integrated child protection systems in the best interests. Strasbourg: European Commission.
European Commission (2025). The European Pillar of Social Rights in 20 principles. Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. Available at https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/european-pillar-social-rights-building-fairer-and-more-inclusive-european-union/european-pillar-social-rights-20-principles_en. Accessed November 23, 2025.
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European Union Drugs Agency (2025). Trampoline – a selective prevention programme to prevent substance use disorders in children from vulnerable families. Available at https://www.euda.europa.eu/best-practice/xchange/trampoline-selective-prevention-programme-prevent-substance-use-disorders-children-vulnerable-families_en. Accessed December 03, 2026.
Făinaru, C. I. (2017). The influence of family climate on adolescent drug use. Courtesy of “George Bacovia” University. Legal, 6(1).
Flash Eurobarometer 552 (2024). The impact of drugs on local communities. European Commission.
Giacomello, C. (2022). Children whose parents use drugs. Promising practices and recommendations. Council of Europe. Available at https://rm.coe.int/2021-ppg-27-isbn-children-whose-parents-use-drugs-promising-practices-/1680a602ae. Accessed December 03, 2026.
Giacomello, C. (2023). Children and parents affected by drug use. An overview of programmes and actions for comprehensive and non-stigmatising services and care. Strasbourg: Council of Europe Publishing.
Giacomello, C. (2024). Integrating gender and children's rights in services for families affected by drug use. Strasbourg: Council of Europe.
Gifford, E., & Humphreys, K. (2007). The psychological science of addiction. Addiction, 102(3), 352-261. DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2006.01706.x.
Gorrell, S., Shott, M. E., & Frank, G. K. W. (2022). Associations between aerobic exercise and dopamine-related reward-processing: Informing a model of human exercise engagement. Biological Psychology, 171, 108350. DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2022.108350.
Hill, S. Y., Tessner, K. D., & McDermott, M. D. (2011). Psychopathology in Offspring from Families of Alcohol Dependent Female Probands: A Prospective Study. J Psychiatr Res., 45(3), 285-294. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2010.08.005.
Ioan, B., Hanganu, B., Chirilă, B. D., Coteti, A. G., & Neagu, M. (2015). Drug abuse and addiction – a sociological approach. Conference: 6th LUMEN International Conference on Rethinking Social Action Core Values. Iași.
Kreeft, P., Wiborg, G., Galanti, M. R., Siliquini, R., Bohrn, K., Scatigna, M. … Faggiano, F. (2007). 'Unplugged': A new European school programme against substance abuse. Drugs: Education, prevention and policy, 16(2), 1-15. DOI: 10.1080/09687630701731189.
Kumpfer, K. L., Alvarado, R., & Whiteside, H. O. (2003). Family-based interventions for substance use and misuse prevention. Substance Use Misuse, 38, 1759-1787. DOI: 10.1081/ja-120024240.
Kwan, M., Bobko, S., Faulkner, G., Donnelly, P., & Cairney, J. (2014). Sport participation and alcohol and illicit drug use in adolescents and young adults: A systematic review of longitudinal studies. Addictive Behaviors, 39(3), 497-506. DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2013.11.006.
Law no. 143/2000 on preventing and combating illicit drug trafficking and consumption. Official Gazette of Romania, Part I, no. 362 of 3 August 2000 (republished, Official Gazette, Part I, no. 163 of 6 March 2014). Available at https://legislatie.just.ro/Public/DetaliiDocument/23629.
Law no. 272/2004 on the protection and promotion of children’s rights. Official Gazette of Romania, Part I, no. 557 of 23 June 2004 (republished, Official Gazette, Part I, no. 159 of 5 March 2014). Available at https://legislatie.just.ro/Public/DetaliiDocument/52909. Accessed December 03, 2026.
Lynch, W. J., Robinson, A. M., Abel, J., & Smith, M. A. (2017). Exercise as a Prevention for Substance Use Disorder: A Review of Sex Differences and Neurobiological Mechanisms. Current Addiction Reports, 4, 455-466.
Marmorstein, N. R., Iacono, W. G., & McGue, M. (2010). Alcohol and illicit drug dependence among parents: associations with offspring externalizing disorders. Psycol Med, 39(1), 149-155. DOI: 10.1017/S0033291708003085.
McGoven, R., Smart, D., Alderson, H., Araujos-Soares, V., Brown, J., Buykx, P. … Kaner, E. (2021). Psychosocial Interventions to Improve Psychological, Social and Physical Wellbeing in Family Members Affected by an Adult Relative's Substance Use: A Systematic Search and Review of the Evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 2-25. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041793.
National Anti-Drug Agency (2024). National Report on the Drug Situation 2024. Romania. New developments and trends. Bucharest: REITOX.
National Institute of Public Health (2025). Campania. Promoting healthy eating and physical activity September-October. Situation analysis. Bucharest: National Institute of Public Health.
National Strategy for the Protection and Promotion of Children’s Rights “Protected Children, Safe Romania” 2023-2027. Official Gazette of Romania, Part I, no. 942 bis of 18 October 2023. Available at https://legislatie.just.ro/Public/DetaliiDocumentAfis/275594. Accessed December 03, 2026.
National Strategy of 30 March 2022 on Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction for the 2022-2027 period. Official Gazette of Romania, Part I, no. 359 bis of April 12, 2022. Available at https://legislatie.just.ro/Public/DetaliiDocument/254234. Accessed December 03, 2026.
Order no. 32/2023 on establishing the methodology for the evaluation, selection and financing of projects within the Program of National Interest for the Prevention and Medical, Psychological and Social Assistance of Drug Users for the period 2023-2026. Official Gazette, no. 185 of March 3, 2023. Available at https://legislatie.just.ro/Public/DetaliiDocument/265491. Accessed December 03, 2026.
Orford, J., Velleman, R., Natera, G., Templeton, L., & Copello, A. (2013). Addiction in the family is a major but neglected contributor to the global burden of adult ill-health. Social Science & Medicine, 78(1), 70-77. DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.11.036.
Pfeifer, C., & Corneliben, T. (2010). The impact of participation in sports on educational attainment – New evidence from Germany. Economics of education review, 29(1), 94-103. DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2009.04.002.
Ruiz-Tejada, A., Neisewander, J., & Katsanos, C. S. (2022). Regulation of Voluntary Physical Activity Behavior: A Review of Evidence Involving Dopaminergic Pathways in the Brain. Brain scriences, 12(3). DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12030333.
Special Eurobarometer 525 (2022). Sport and physical activity. European Commission.
Tătar, C. F., Herman, G. V., & Pețan, P. (2018). Sport and physical activity engagement in Romania, GeoSport for Society, 8(1), 40-50.
Terry-McElrath, Y. M., & O'Malley, P. M. (2011). Substance use and exercise participation among young adults: Parallel trajectories in a national cohort-sequential study. Addiction, 106(10), 1855-1865. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03489.x.
The National Drug Strategy of March 16, 2022, 2022-2026 and the Action Plan for the Implementation of the National Drug Strategy 2022-2026. Official Gazette no. 334 bis of April 5, 2022. Available at https://legislatie.just.ro/Public/DetaliiDocumentAfis/253794. Accessed December 03, 2026.
Tobler, N. S., & Stratton, H. H. (1997). Effectiveness of School-Based Drug Prevention Programs: A Meta-Analysis of the Research. Journal of Primary Prevention, 18, 71-128. DOI: 10.1023/A:1024630205999.
Todman, H., & McLaughlin, H. (2025). Interventions for Children Affected by Parental Substance Misuse. In G. Bischof, R. Velleman, J. Orford, A. Nadkarni, & M. Tiburcio, Families Affected by Addiction. Sustainable Development Goals Series, 245-252. Springer. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-82583-5_23.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2021). Leveraging sport for substance use prevention: reviewing the evidence at the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. April 15. Available at https://www.unodc.org/dohadeclaration/en/news/2021/04/leveraging-sport-for-substance-use-prevention_-reviewing-the-evidence-at-the-commission-on-narcotic-drugs.html. Accessed December 01, 2026.
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Windle, M., Searles, J. S., & Milman, D. (1990). Children of Alcoholics. Critical Perspectives. New York: Guilford Press.
World Health Organisation. (2024). Health-enhacing physical activity in the European Union 2024. Copenhagen: EHO Regional Office for Europe.
World Health Organisation. (2025). HEPA_1 National recommendations on physical activity for health. World Health Organisation. European Health Information Gateway. October 21. Available at https://gateway.euro.who.int/en/indicators/hepa_1-hepa_1-recommendations-on-physical-activity/#id=36968. Accessed November 23, 2026.
Zhang, L., & Yuan, T.-F. (2019). Chapter Ten – Exercise and substance abuse. In S.-Y. Yau, & K.-F. So, International Review of Neurobiology, 269-280. Academic Press. DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2019.07.007.
Bailey, R. (2017). Sport, physical activity and educational achievement – towards an explanatory, Sport in society, 20(7), 768-788. DOI: 10.1080/17430437.2016.1207756.
Broning, S., Wiedow, A., Wartberg, L., Ruths, S., Haevelmann, A., Kindermann, S. S., Thomas, R. (2012). Targeting children of substance-using parents with the community-based group intervention TRAMPOLINE: A randomised controlled trial – design, evaluation, recruitment issues, BMC Public Health. DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-223.
Brook, J. S., Whiteman, M., Gordon, A., & Cohen, P. (1986). Some models and mechanisms for explaining the impact of maternal and adolescent characteristics on adolescent stage of drug use, Developmental Psychology, 22(4), 460-467.
Carrellan, A. M., Robles, M. T., Gimenez-Fuentes-Guerra, F. J., & Macias, M. R. (2025). Educational Interventions Through Physical Activity for Addiction Prevention in Adolescent Students – A Systematic Review, Education Sciences, 15(3). DOI: 10.3390/educsci15030348.
European Commission (2017). European Pillar of Social Rights. Publications Office. DOI: 10.2792/16347.
European Commission (2021). Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, The Council, The European Economic and Social Committee of the Regions. Strategy on the Rights of the Child. Brussels: European Commission.
European Commission (2024). Commission Reccomendation of 23.4.2024 on developing and strengthening integrated child protection systems in the best interests. Strasbourg: European Commission.
European Commission (2025). The European Pillar of Social Rights in 20 principles. Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. Available at https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/european-pillar-social-rights-building-fairer-and-more-inclusive-european-union/european-pillar-social-rights-20-principles_en. Accessed November 23, 2025.
European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) (2023). Families of people who use drugs: health and social responses. Available at https://www.euda.europa.eu/publications/mini-guides/families-health-and-social-responses_en. Accessed December 03, 2026.
European Union Drugs Agency (2025). Trampoline – a selective prevention programme to prevent substance use disorders in children from vulnerable families. Available at https://www.euda.europa.eu/best-practice/xchange/trampoline-selective-prevention-programme-prevent-substance-use-disorders-children-vulnerable-families_en. Accessed December 03, 2026.
Făinaru, C. I. (2017). The influence of family climate on adolescent drug use. Courtesy of “George Bacovia” University. Legal, 6(1).
Flash Eurobarometer 552 (2024). The impact of drugs on local communities. European Commission.
Giacomello, C. (2022). Children whose parents use drugs. Promising practices and recommendations. Council of Europe. Available at https://rm.coe.int/2021-ppg-27-isbn-children-whose-parents-use-drugs-promising-practices-/1680a602ae. Accessed December 03, 2026.
Giacomello, C. (2023). Children and parents affected by drug use. An overview of programmes and actions for comprehensive and non-stigmatising services and care. Strasbourg: Council of Europe Publishing.
Giacomello, C. (2024). Integrating gender and children's rights in services for families affected by drug use. Strasbourg: Council of Europe.
Gifford, E., & Humphreys, K. (2007). The psychological science of addiction. Addiction, 102(3), 352-261. DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2006.01706.x.
Gorrell, S., Shott, M. E., & Frank, G. K. W. (2022). Associations between aerobic exercise and dopamine-related reward-processing: Informing a model of human exercise engagement. Biological Psychology, 171, 108350. DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2022.108350.
Hill, S. Y., Tessner, K. D., & McDermott, M. D. (2011). Psychopathology in Offspring from Families of Alcohol Dependent Female Probands: A Prospective Study. J Psychiatr Res., 45(3), 285-294. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2010.08.005.
Ioan, B., Hanganu, B., Chirilă, B. D., Coteti, A. G., & Neagu, M. (2015). Drug abuse and addiction – a sociological approach. Conference: 6th LUMEN International Conference on Rethinking Social Action Core Values. Iași.
Kreeft, P., Wiborg, G., Galanti, M. R., Siliquini, R., Bohrn, K., Scatigna, M. … Faggiano, F. (2007). 'Unplugged': A new European school programme against substance abuse. Drugs: Education, prevention and policy, 16(2), 1-15. DOI: 10.1080/09687630701731189.
Kumpfer, K. L., Alvarado, R., & Whiteside, H. O. (2003). Family-based interventions for substance use and misuse prevention. Substance Use Misuse, 38, 1759-1787. DOI: 10.1081/ja-120024240.
Kwan, M., Bobko, S., Faulkner, G., Donnelly, P., & Cairney, J. (2014). Sport participation and alcohol and illicit drug use in adolescents and young adults: A systematic review of longitudinal studies. Addictive Behaviors, 39(3), 497-506. DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2013.11.006.
Law no. 143/2000 on preventing and combating illicit drug trafficking and consumption. Official Gazette of Romania, Part I, no. 362 of 3 August 2000 (republished, Official Gazette, Part I, no. 163 of 6 March 2014). Available at https://legislatie.just.ro/Public/DetaliiDocument/23629.
Law no. 272/2004 on the protection and promotion of children’s rights. Official Gazette of Romania, Part I, no. 557 of 23 June 2004 (republished, Official Gazette, Part I, no. 159 of 5 March 2014). Available at https://legislatie.just.ro/Public/DetaliiDocument/52909. Accessed December 03, 2026.
Lynch, W. J., Robinson, A. M., Abel, J., & Smith, M. A. (2017). Exercise as a Prevention for Substance Use Disorder: A Review of Sex Differences and Neurobiological Mechanisms. Current Addiction Reports, 4, 455-466.
Marmorstein, N. R., Iacono, W. G., & McGue, M. (2010). Alcohol and illicit drug dependence among parents: associations with offspring externalizing disorders. Psycol Med, 39(1), 149-155. DOI: 10.1017/S0033291708003085.
McGoven, R., Smart, D., Alderson, H., Araujos-Soares, V., Brown, J., Buykx, P. … Kaner, E. (2021). Psychosocial Interventions to Improve Psychological, Social and Physical Wellbeing in Family Members Affected by an Adult Relative's Substance Use: A Systematic Search and Review of the Evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 2-25. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041793.
National Anti-Drug Agency (2024). National Report on the Drug Situation 2024. Romania. New developments and trends. Bucharest: REITOX.
National Institute of Public Health (2025). Campania. Promoting healthy eating and physical activity September-October. Situation analysis. Bucharest: National Institute of Public Health.
National Strategy for the Protection and Promotion of Children’s Rights “Protected Children, Safe Romania” 2023-2027. Official Gazette of Romania, Part I, no. 942 bis of 18 October 2023. Available at https://legislatie.just.ro/Public/DetaliiDocumentAfis/275594. Accessed December 03, 2026.
National Strategy of 30 March 2022 on Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction for the 2022-2027 period. Official Gazette of Romania, Part I, no. 359 bis of April 12, 2022. Available at https://legislatie.just.ro/Public/DetaliiDocument/254234. Accessed December 03, 2026.
Order no. 32/2023 on establishing the methodology for the evaluation, selection and financing of projects within the Program of National Interest for the Prevention and Medical, Psychological and Social Assistance of Drug Users for the period 2023-2026. Official Gazette, no. 185 of March 3, 2023. Available at https://legislatie.just.ro/Public/DetaliiDocument/265491. Accessed December 03, 2026.
Orford, J., Velleman, R., Natera, G., Templeton, L., & Copello, A. (2013). Addiction in the family is a major but neglected contributor to the global burden of adult ill-health. Social Science & Medicine, 78(1), 70-77. DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.11.036.
Pfeifer, C., & Corneliben, T. (2010). The impact of participation in sports on educational attainment – New evidence from Germany. Economics of education review, 29(1), 94-103. DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2009.04.002.
Ruiz-Tejada, A., Neisewander, J., & Katsanos, C. S. (2022). Regulation of Voluntary Physical Activity Behavior: A Review of Evidence Involving Dopaminergic Pathways in the Brain. Brain scriences, 12(3). DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12030333.
Special Eurobarometer 525 (2022). Sport and physical activity. European Commission.
Tătar, C. F., Herman, G. V., & Pețan, P. (2018). Sport and physical activity engagement in Romania, GeoSport for Society, 8(1), 40-50.
Terry-McElrath, Y. M., & O'Malley, P. M. (2011). Substance use and exercise participation among young adults: Parallel trajectories in a national cohort-sequential study. Addiction, 106(10), 1855-1865. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03489.x.
The National Drug Strategy of March 16, 2022, 2022-2026 and the Action Plan for the Implementation of the National Drug Strategy 2022-2026. Official Gazette no. 334 bis of April 5, 2022. Available at https://legislatie.just.ro/Public/DetaliiDocumentAfis/253794. Accessed December 03, 2026.
Tobler, N. S., & Stratton, H. H. (1997). Effectiveness of School-Based Drug Prevention Programs: A Meta-Analysis of the Research. Journal of Primary Prevention, 18, 71-128. DOI: 10.1023/A:1024630205999.
Todman, H., & McLaughlin, H. (2025). Interventions for Children Affected by Parental Substance Misuse. In G. Bischof, R. Velleman, J. Orford, A. Nadkarni, & M. Tiburcio, Families Affected by Addiction. Sustainable Development Goals Series, 245-252. Springer. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-82583-5_23.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2021). Leveraging sport for substance use prevention: reviewing the evidence at the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. April 15. Available at https://www.unodc.org/dohadeclaration/en/news/2021/04/leveraging-sport-for-substance-use-prevention_-reviewing-the-evidence-at-the-commission-on-narcotic-drugs.html. Accessed December 01, 2026.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2025). World Drug Report 2025 – Special Points of Interest. Vienna, Austria. Available at https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/WDR_2025/WDR25_Special_points_of_interest.pdf. Accessed November 23, 2026.
Windle, M., Searles, J. S., & Milman, D. (1990). Children of Alcoholics. Critical Perspectives. New York: Guilford Press.
World Health Organisation. (2024). Health-enhacing physical activity in the European Union 2024. Copenhagen: EHO Regional Office for Europe.
World Health Organisation. (2025). HEPA_1 National recommendations on physical activity for health. World Health Organisation. European Health Information Gateway. October 21. Available at https://gateway.euro.who.int/en/indicators/hepa_1-hepa_1-recommendations-on-physical-activity/#id=36968. Accessed November 23, 2026.
Zhang, L., & Yuan, T.-F. (2019). Chapter Ten – Exercise and substance abuse. In S.-Y. Yau, & K.-F. So, International Review of Neurobiology, 269-280. Academic Press. DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2019.07.007.