Mothering a child while participating in a substance use disorder program: A phenomenological study

The purpose of this study is to describe what it is like to live the everyday moments of mothering while actively participating in a substance use disorder (SUD) program from the mother's perspective. This study was guided by the research question: What is the structure of meaning of the lived experience of mothering a child while participating in a substance use disorder program?

This qualitative study integrated phenomenology and story theory in the gathering and analysis of the stories. The study setting included two ambulatory clinics that are part of a larger biobehavioral health center of a large south-eastern academic medical center. Nine mothers confirmed voluntary participation, beginning in October 2020 through February 2021, yet only 4 could meet for face to face story gathering sessions. Van Manen's approach to data analysis was used to determine themes in the gathered stories.

The finding revealed six themes, along with specific descriptors in the words of the mothers. The themes were synthesized into a structure of meaning that includes: 1. Living the tensions of the everyday; 2. being pressured in mother/family/community relationships; and 3. reflecting on moving forward. These findings could be established in practice protocols for mothers in SUD recovery programs.

To support the mental health of mothers in SUD recovery programs, it is essential to understand their situation from their perspective. To get that perspective, the nurse needs to encourage the mother to share her experiences in SUD recovery programs.