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

Abstract

Parents addicted to methamphetamine ("crystal meth") are likely to be impaired in meeting parental responsibilities, and the developmental settings can be highly disadvantageous for children. Therefore, parenting by methamphetamine-addicted mothers and fathers needs further exploration, while considering the impact on children affected by parental substance use. In our study, we analysed parenting practices and parental stress as well as children's behavioural problems using standardized assessments. The sample consisted of 87 methamphetamine-addicted parents in recovery. We obtained data on parents' current substance use and on their psychological distress. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of children's overall problems.Parents reported high levels of parental and psychological distress, even after achieving abstinence. Especially depressive perceptions of parenthood appeared problematic. While recovering from methamphetamine addiction, parents exhibited a precarious psychosocial situation and problematic parenting behaviour. Dysfunctional parenting practices were evident in both indifferent and overreactive tendencies.Children were at risk of behavioural and emotional problems. Variables associated with parenting showed significant predictive value for children's overall problems, beyond current substance use, and psychological distress. These findings are discussed in terms of a family-oriented perspective in order to promote parenting capabilities of methamphetamine-addicted parents and to prevent problematic development of their children.

Diagnostic Accuracy of the Drug Use Disorder Identification Test and Its Short Form, the DUDIT-C, in German Adolescent Psychiatric Patients

“…Furthermore, this study is the first published psychometric assessment of the German version of the DUDIT. While previous studies in German adults (Schäfer et al, 2017;Spencer et al, 2018;Dyba et al, 2019) and German adolescents (Basedow et al, 2020) have used the DUDIT as a measure or screening tool, none have reported on the psychometric properties. Additionally, previous research has assessed the DUDIT on basis of the DSM-IV criteria for substance abuse and dependence (see Hildebrand, 2015 for an overview), which makes this study the first psychometric assessment using the updated DSM-5 criteria with three levels of SUD.…”

Estimating the number of children in households with substance use disorders

“…PSM is often associated with problematic parenting, mood swings, disinhibited behaviour and unmet parental responsibilities (13,14). Older children from substance-misusing parents must sometimes step in to fulfil the role of their parents such as feeding a baby or taking care of younger siblings while parents experience withdrawal symptoms or recover from a hangover (15).…”

“…The impact of parental dependent tobacco smoking on children is obviously very different from the impact of misusing alcohol or using strongly intoxicating and mind-altering substances (13,14,21).…”

Evaluation of a family-oriented parenting intervention for methamphetamine-involved mothers and fathers – The SHIFT Parent Training

“…Mothers and fathers have been found to describe depressive perceptions of their parenthood on the Parenting Stress Index, defined as lacking self-confidence and feelings of self-reproachment in parenting ( Abidin, 1983 ; Troester, 2011 ). Further stressors reported among methamphetamine-using parents include feelings of lacking competence in childrearing and perceived demandingness of their children ( Dyba, Moesgen, Klein, & Leyendecker, 2018 ). As a result, the living situation of many children affected by parental methamphetamine use is likely to be disadvantageous.…”

“…As a result, the living situation of many children affected by parental methamphetamine use is likely to be disadvantageous. These children tend to exhibit behavioral problems in the form of externalizing tendencies and ADHD symptoms as well as emotional disturbances ( Asanbe, Hall, & Bolden, 2008 ; Dyba et al, 2018 ; Paravesh, Mazhari, & Nazari-Noghabi, 2015 ), which can further strain the familial dynamic. Besides frequent pre- and postnatal substance exposure, the “drug-endangered children” ( Altshuler, 2005, p. 171 ) are often at increased risk of experiencing trauma, physical or sexual abuse, and neglect.…”