Education on Early Parent-Child Relationship and Substance Use Disorder in Adulthood

Abstract

Over the years studies have shown that early experiences have a significant impact on a child’s subsequent cognitive, emotional, and social development, affecting individual health in adulthood. In addition, it is believed that there is a link between the early parent-child relationship and the externalization of maladaptive behaviours later. This might be manifested in high-risk behaviours in adolescence and adulthood including drug addiction. This study was conducted to better understand the early parent-child relationships among heroin addicts. To explore this, 30 subjects (4 females and 26 males) that are receiving methadone maintenance treatment at the Action Plus Center in Tirana were selected. Qualitative research was conducted through personal interviews and self-report questionnaires. Findings show that early child-parent relationship in heroin addicts is mostly characterized by a negligent father and a closer relationship with the mother. Results indicate that mother figure often appears to be the abusive and critical parent and there is a lack of father figure in child´s life. Other interesting findings in this study suggest that heroin addicts may be use drugs to fulfil or stay in balance with unmet needs related lack of parental love and warmth, emotional and psychological support, emotional stability, lack of open communication, low self-esteem, and self-confidence. These findings are relevant cause there is a practical application in substance use disorders treatment.