Parenting groups for recovering addicts in a day treatment center

This article describes parenting groups that were conducted at a day treatment center in New York City from 1989 to 1992. The population consisted of parents who were recovering from substance and alcohol addiction with backgrounds of poverty, educational deficits, and intergenerational addiction. The approach combined brief dynamic group therapy with the learning of child development, communication skills, and family management concepts in a psychoeducational model. Empathy and respect for the struggle of the recovering addict characterized the group culture and the stance of the group leader. The methodology included creative writing through group process, role playing, and values clarification activities. The high number of parenting group graduates who also completed the day treatment program suggests that parenting groups were a significant component in the recovery process. Clients in the groups reported feeling better about themselves as parents and were able to express more positive feelings toward their children.