Family-focused treatment approaches for drug-addicted parents

Abstract

In Germany 1.5-2.75 million children live in families affected by substance use disorders. Substance abuse can impact on family interactions in many ways. If adependent parental drug use continues over alonger period of time, this can have pronounced psychological and social consequences for the (co)affected children. Nevertheless, family-focused treatment approaches are not yet widely used in the context of addiction treatment. This review article aims to provide an overview of the prevalence of parenthood among dependent drug users in Germany, the impact of dependent drug use on families and family-focused treatment approaches. Recording parenthood is particularly difficult in the case of dependent drug users as they often do not openly discuss it with their therapists because of the fear of consequences from youth welfare services. In order to change this, astructured recording of parenthood by the treatment providers is required. This is the prerequisite for being able to offer family-focused treatment to those affected. In Germany, three evidence-based therapy programs are available for this purpose: SHIFT, SHIFT Plus and MAMADAM. Additionally, anumber of programs developed in the Anglo-American region can also be used. In contrast, the evidence for web-based programs is much weaker. In order to establish family-focused treatment approaches for drug-using parents across the board, long-term, secure funding is required. The necessary framework conditions must be created at apolitical level.