Amy Chandler1, Anne Whittaker2, Sarah Cunningham-Burley3, Nigel Williams4, Kelly McGorm5, Gillian Mathews6. 1. University of Edinburgh, Centre for Research on Families and Relationships, 23 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh EH8 9LN, UK. Electronic address: a.chandler@ed.ac.uk. 2. Substance Misuse Directorate, NHS Lothian, 22 Spittal Street, Edinburgh EH3 9DU, UK. 3. University of Edinburgh, Centre for Research on Families and Relationships, 23 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh EH8 9LN, UK. 4. NHS Lothian, Waverley Gate, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EG, UK. 5. Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute, Level 1, Ian Potter House, Acton ACT 2601, Australia. 6. Edinburgh Napier University, Room 2.B.46 Sighthill Court, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Parenting and pregnancy in the context of drug use is a contentious topic, high on the policy agenda. Providing effective support to parents who are opioid dependent, through early intervention, access to drug treatment and parenting skills training, is a priority. However, little is known about opioid dependent parents' experiences and understanding of parenting support during the antenatal and postnatal periods. This paper focuses on the position and impact of opioid substitution therapy (OST) in the accounts of parents who were expecting, or who had recently had, a baby in the UK. METHODS: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were held with a purposive sample of 19 opioid dependent service users (14 female, 5 male). Longitudinal data was collected across the antenatal and postnatal (up to 1 year) periods, with participants interviewed up to three times. Forty-five interviews were analysed thematically, using a constant comparison method, underpinned by a sociologically informed narrative approach. RESULTS: Participants' accounts of drug treatment were clearly oriented towards demonstrating that they were doing 'the best thing' for their baby. For some, OST was framed as a route to what was seen as a 'normal' family life; for others, OST was a barrier to such normality. Challenges related to: the physiological effects of opioid dependence; structural constraints associated with treatment regimes; and the impact of negative societal views about drug-using parents. CONCLUSION: Parents' accounts of OST can be seen as a response to socio-cultural ideals of a 'good', drug-free parent. Reflecting the liminal position parents engaged in OST found themselves in, their narratives entailed reconciling their status as a 'drug-using parent' with a view of an 'ideal parent' who was abstinent.
BACKGROUND: Parenting and pregnancy in the context of drug use is a contentious topic, high on the policy agenda. Providing effective support to parents who are opioid dependent, through early intervention, access to drug treatment and parenting skills training, is a priority. However, little is known about opioid dependent parents' experiences and understanding of parenting support during the antenatal and postnatal periods. This paper focuses on the position and impact of opioid substitution therapy (OST) in the accounts of parents who were expecting, or who had recently had, a baby in the UK. METHODS: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were held with a purposive sample of 19 opioid dependent service users (14 female, 5 male). Longitudinal data was collected across the antenatal and postnatal (up to 1 year) periods, with participants interviewed up to three times. Forty-five interviews were analysed thematically, using a constant comparison method, underpinned by a sociologically informed narrative approach. RESULTS:Participants' accounts of drug treatment were clearly oriented towards demonstrating that they were doing 'the best thing' for their baby. For some, OST was framed as a route to what was seen as a 'normal' family life; for others, OST was a barrier to such normality. Challenges related to: the physiological effects of opioid dependence; structural constraints associated with treatment regimes; and the impact of negative societal views about drug-using parents. CONCLUSION: Parents' accounts of OST can be seen as a response to socio-cultural ideals of a 'good', drug-free parent. Reflecting the liminal position parents engaged in OST found themselves in, their narratives entailed reconciling their status as a 'drug-using parent' with a view of an 'ideal parent' who was abstinent.
Authors: John J McCarthy; Hendree E Jones; Mishka Terplan; Vania P Rudolf; Melinda Campopiano von Klimo Journal: J Addict Med Date: 2021-04-01 Impact factor: 3.702