Mothering and desistance from addiction careers

Abstract

This research explores how becoming and being a mother in the Maltese context contributes to initial and continued desistance from substance using careers. Guided by a symbolic interactionist career approach, the contingencies associated with the desistance trajectory, the employed desistance strategies, and consequences of these strategies are explored. This study theorises desistance as a process including primary, secondary, and tertiary desistance. Data was qualitatively gathered and analysed using evolved grounded theory methodology (Corbin & Strauss, 2015). A substantive level theory was developed, and the core category of identity was elicited highlighting the evolving nature of identity in mothers’ desistance careers. The emerging theory outlines the complexity of the role of mothering in desistance and emphasises complex pathways, with some mothers desisting from drug use either prior to falling pregnant, when discovering they were pregnant, or after giving birth. The role of other contingencies, such as becoming a mother in the context of a secure romantic relationship are highlighted. Primary desistance has been facilitated by psychosocial contingencies such as family support and fearing possible future selves such as being incarcerated. The emerging data outlines the importance of identity transformation for desistance, where mothers’ identity shifts from that of addict, to non-addict, to mother. The internalisation of the maternal identity, together with secure social bonds and community reintegration, serve as important contingencies for mothers’ sustained desistance. This research highlights several recommendations for intervention, policy and future research based on the developed theoretical explanation.