The parent-child relationship patterns of parents addressing substance misuse issues : a qualitative study

Abstract

Although parental substance misuse is now gaining more concern m therapeutic practice, little is known about the relationship between the substance misusing parents and their children in Malta. Set against a backdrop of literature suggesting that parental substance misuse disrupts the parent-child relationship, this study seeks to explore the relationship patterns between parents addressing substance misuse issues in therapy and their children. Four parents attending family therapy sessions participated in a semi-structured interview. Emerging themes in the relationships were identified through grounded theory techniques. Results indicate that parents have acknowledged the fact that their parent-child relationship has suffered as a consequence of their substance misuse. Yet, findings suggest that the parent-child relationship influences substance misuse as well, that is, the higher the parental involvement, the less the risk of substance misuse.