Parenting support for mothers and fathers with a drug problem: issues and challenges for parents and healthcare professionals

This briefing was based on findings from a two year longitudinal qualitative study funded by the NHS Lothian Health Services Research Unit.The situation in Scotland - Addressing the needs of children and families affected by parental substance misuse (alcohol and drugs) is a priority for policy and practice (Scottish Government, 2013). The number of adults dependent on opiods and/or benzodiazephines has increased in recent years, and it is estimated that up to 60,000 children in Scotland are affected by a parent's drug use. Policy initiatives emphasise the importance of early intervention alongside evidence-based parenting interventions and recovery-orientated substance misuse treatment (ACDM, 2003; Scottish Government, 2008; Scottish Government, 2012)