Neglect caused by substance abuse isn’t simply about bad parenting—it’s often about trauma, untreated mental health issues, and lack of access to resources. When we view substance-abusing parents only as abusers, we risk missing the bigger picture—and opportunities for healing. But when we identify the signs early, intervene with empathy, and connect families to recovery-focused resources, we not only protect children—we give families a second chance to thrive.