Few studies have examined the role of children in the social networks of women with substance abuse problems. Children may serve as a motivation for women seeking treatment. Often though, fear of losing children is cited as a barrier to accessing treatment. This NIDA funded pilot study examined children in the social support networks of 86 women in residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment.

Methods

Using a cross sectional survey design, data were collected from 41 women in residential and 45 women in outpatient substance abuse treatment. 96.2% of the eligible women agreed to participate in the interview. Current substance use and mental disorders were assessed using the Computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Social network measures included structure (size and composition), perceived social support (emotional, concrete and informational), and network functioning (members critical of the respondent, members using alcohol/drugs, members supporting sobriety, close relationships, reciprocal helping relationships, duration of relationships and frequency of contact). Data were collected on children's living arrangements, current and past six months placement history and functional role in the social network.

Results

Of the 86 respondents, 5% were married, 72% were never married and 76% were living with a partner. Mean age was 34 years. 81% identified as African-American. 9% of the women had no children and 23% had 5 or more children. Women reported a mean of 3 children in their social networks out of total network size of 11 network members on average. 44% children were residing in the mother's household while 55% were living with other family members. 17% of the children were adult children (18 years and older). Women reported that of the children not currently living with them 76% were in the relative's care, 28% in foster care, 8% adopted and 12% in other forms of care. Women also reported on the location of children who were not living with them in the past 6 months as 90% in relative's care, 11% in foster care and 11% in other forms of care. The average number of days not in mother's custody was 480 days. Women in this study perceived a higher mean number of children as providers of sobriety support (2) as compared with other types of support: concrete (1), emotional (1), and informational support (.8). As compared with children of women in residential treatment, children of women in outpatient treatment were reported as providing less concrete support (p = .002), less emotional support (p = .025), but more sobriety support (p = .001). Children of women in residential treatment were perceived as less close (p= .001) and more critical (p= .001).

Implications

Practitioners working with women in substance abuse treatment must realize family disruptions that occur. Women view their children as providing support, and may experience a loss of support when children are placed outside the home. The different supportive roles children assume could be reflected in parenting programs for these women. Perceived roles of children may also influence family reunification and recovery after treatment.