Method: A cohort study was implemented among 171 participants with 235 children in three urban sites in Ireland in 2010/11. Adult and child outcomes were measured using the Short Form 12, the Becks Depression and Anxiety Inventories, the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Kidscreen 27. 

Results: Over 60% of adult participants grew up in a household with at least one person who used substances. The main substance used was alcohol followed by heroin. A correlation was found between increasing adult anxiety and growing up in a home with a person using substances . Children of current parents had more difficulties with emotional and conduct problems, as compared to international norms. Correlations existed between current parental depression and anxiety and child conduct disorder. 

Conclusions: Parents who use drugs are part of the so-called “sandwich generation”. Monitoring and evaluation of interventions that address outcomes across generations of parental and child dyads are lacking.