Mothers in Substance Abuse Recovery: Perspectives on Motivators, Challenges and Family Involvement

BACKGROUND: Most women in substance abuse treatment are of childbearing age, and many of them have children who both are affected by and influence the mother’s substance abuse and treatment behaviors. OBJECTIVES: This qualitative study (n = 13) was conducted in two drug treatment centers in southern Florida and explored the perspectives of mothers currently or recently in substance abuse treatment regarding their recovery motivators and challenges, as well as their attitudes and preferences regarding family involvement in their treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used a qualitative descriptive approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with the participants and centered on 3 major themes: (a) motivators for recovery, (b) challenges for recovery, and (c) attitudes and preferences for family involvement in recovery. RESULTS: Findings revealed that family plays an important role in the recovery of these mothers, and that mothers are willing to incorporate their families in their recovery process. Women expressed a positive attitude towards family therapy, and they believed that it could benefit their recovery, and their relationship with their children and families. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study can contribute to the development of a family-based substance abuse treatment aftercare intervention that might benefit women in substance abuse treatment.