Family Support, Stress, Conflict, and Mental Health Among Mothers in Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Anna L Herriott1, Zatio N Kone1, Sydney L Hans1

  • 1Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.

PubMed

Background: Family can be a critical, yet complicated, source of support for mothers with substance use disorder(SUD). Objectives: The purpose of the current study is to explore associations between support, stress, andconflict within the family and mothers' mental health among mothers in treatment for opioid usedisorder (OUD). Results: The sample comprised 150 Black women who are parents of 3- to 5-year-oldchildren and in methadone treatment. The women were highly supported by family members,particularly their mothers, and most often regarding child care. A little under half the women whoreported receiving support from family members also reported having conflict with them. Familialstress was focused primarily on four main themes: conflict, substance use, estrangement, andcriticism. Family stress and conflict were more strongly associated with women's mental health thanfamilial support. Conclusion: The results highlight the need to support women in processing their familialrelationships and engaging families in treatment for SUD.

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