Substance dependent women becoming mothers – breaking the intergenerational transference of substance use disorders

Abstract

Children born to substance-dependent mothers who themselves have had an upbringing disturbed by parental substance-abuse, are at high risk. The mothers in this study represent a vulnerable group, difficult for researchers and support systems to access. We need to extend our knowledge on pregnant women and families with substance-dependence. We approached mothers with upbringing disturbed by parental substance-abuse problems, their significant others, and professionals in this kind of treatment. The women described a marginalised life. They struggled to abstain from substances, process traumatic experiences and integrate their family into society. The significant others had limited resources and were exposed to cumulative risk factors. The relationships were, nevertheless, close and reliable. Supporting the existing social network is important. Combining treatment of SUD, interventions to improve parenting, and looking after the needs of children, seemed to be a challenging task for the professionals, who seemed to focus either on the parent or the child. Some professionals expressed tensions between groups of professionals and the need to focus on their own emotion regulation.