Having participated in a parenting group for relatives to addictive : a client satisfaction study

Introduction: Being a relative of a person with an addiction disease involves a strong mental and physical stress. An important protection factor for the relatives is breaking the silence and shame and seek help. Ersta Vändpunkten is a clinic for these relatives and offers educational groups with a therapeutic objective. This study focuses on program for parents/relatives to children in the so-called little child group (4-6 years). Focus in the program is to support the parents in how they can help the child to understand what is happening in the family and how to take the child’s perspective. The aim of the study is to share the parent’s experiences of participating in this group. Questions: How has participation in the parenting program affected parenting ability? How has participation in the parent group affected the family? Methods: This is a web-based survey, the questionnaire has been analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: 30 parents/relatives have been asked to participate of whom 17 responded (57%). The survey reveals that the parent/relative now has an improved relationship with the child and that communication in the family has changed for the better. Other relationships, to relatives, friends and to the addictive part have not changed noticeably. All respondents feel the child’s and their own self-esteem have become much better/better after participating. There is also a consensus among respondents that their ability to set boundaries towards the addicted part has become much better/better. Discussion: While the high non-response rate endangers firm conclusions, the findings are nevertheless promising