Interventions to address parenting and parental substance abuse: Conceptual and methodological considerations

Abstract

Parental substance abuse is a serious problem affecting the well-being of children and families. The co-occurrence of parental substance abuse and problematic parenting is recognized as a major public health concern. This review focuses on 21 outcome studies that tested dual treatment of substance abuse and parenting. A summary of theoretical conceptualizations of the connections between substance abuse and parenting provides a backdrop for the review. Outcomes of the dual treatment studies were generally positive with respect to reduction of parental substance use and improvement of parenting. Research in this area varied in methodological rigor and needs to overcome challenges regarding design issues, sampling frame, and complexities inherent in such a high-risk population. This area of work can be strengthened by randomized controlled trials, use of mixed-methods outcome measures, consideration of parent involvement with child protective services, involvement of significant others in treatment, provision of concrete supports for treatment attendance and facilitative public policies.

Family‐Based Recovery: An Innovative Collaboration between Community Mental Health Agencies and Child Protective Services to Treat Families Impacted by Parental Substance Use

“…In response, the number of treatment programmes addressing the specific needs of mothers involved with CPS has grown, along with recognition of how important integrated support is for families. While CPS and treatment providers may have conflicting treatment goals and philosophies (Marsh et al, ; US Department of Health and Human Services et al, ), families can benefit from collaboration on their behalf (Neger and Prinz, ; Semidei et al, ). Many CPS agencies have memoranda of understanding with treatment providers.…”

Mothers and fathers in treatment for methamphetamine addiction—Parenting, parental stress, and children at risk

“…After the stabilization of fundamental psychological processes in the course of addiction treatment, an early enrollment in parenting interventions has been demonstrated to be beneficial for parents with substance use problems (Neger & Prinz, 2015). Therefore, treatment approaches should address parenting practices, especially when young children are involved.…”

Being Superwoman: Low Income Mothers Surviving Problem Drinking and Intimate Partner Violence

“…Women engaged in heavy drinking and in violent relationships may face high levels of stigma (Goode, 2000; Lapierre, 2008; Neger & Prince, 2015). In order to gain their perspective, it is crucial to approach their situation through a nonjudgmental lens, rather than assume pathology.…”