Applying ambiguous loss theory to children of parents with an opioid use disorder

Opioid use disorder (OUD) has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Children of parents with OUD are an unrepresented population, who often suffer consequences from their parent's substance abuse disorder. Such children may incur numerous psychosocial and physical losses. Without intervention, they are more likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness and/or substance use disorder (SUD).

This paper examines the experiences of children of parents with OUD using Boss's theory of ambiguous loss (AL) as a lens.

Children growing up with a parent who has an OUD experience AL through that parent's physical absence and psychological presence (e.g., the parent is out opioid-seeking or in rehab or jail) and psychological absence but physical presence (e.g., the parent is high or in withdrawal, or is preoccupied with obtaining opioids). Evidence supports the fact that OUDs affect parenting, produce changes in the parent-child relationship, and often impact child development. Interventions that are child-focused are lacking.

The application of AL theory to this problem can enhance health professionals' understanding and need for developmentally specific interventions to care for this population. Interventions should focus on diminishing stigma and promoting psychosocial wellness and resiliency for children of parents with an OUD.