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Examining Stressors and Available Parenting Resources for Opioid-Using Mothers: Qualitative Findings from an Inpatient Substance Use Treatment Program

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Abstract

Given the alarming opioid epidemic, high prevalence of parents involved in substance use treatment programs for opioid use disorder, and critical role that parenting stress plays on opioid use and relapse, the current study examines stressors experienced by mothers enrolled in substance use treatment. Specifically, interviews were conducted with mothers with opioid use disorder (OUD) enrolled in an inpatient substance use treatment program, to identify common themes and develop recommendations related to interventions targeting common stressors among this population. A significant number of parent-related, substance use-related, and other stressors were present prior to and during substance use treatment; with more stressors reported during treatment than prior to treatment. Mothers with OUD reported that they would be interested in receiving parenting services, but that relevant parenting resources were not offered during substance use treatment.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by Grant 5K12DA031794-03 to support the first author, as well as by NIH Grants P50DA016511, R01DA021690, and K24DA038240 to support work by the last author.

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  1. National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA

    A. Moreland, C. Hartley, S. DelMas & A. McRae-Clark

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  1. A. Moreland
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Correspondence to A. Moreland.

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Moreland, A., Hartley, C., DelMas, S. et al. Examining Stressors and Available Parenting Resources for Opioid-Using Mothers: Qualitative Findings from an Inpatient Substance Use Treatment Program. Community Ment Health J 56, 426–434 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-019-00478-6

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