Adults' perceptions of past childhood experiences when living with drug misusing parents

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to discover the possible effects on children whose parents misuse drugs. This subject was chosen since it is an issue which is on the increase and yet receives little attention. Fourteen adults who have lived with drug misusing parent/s as children voice their experiences and feelings about their past. Through a structured interview guide using both a qualitative and quantitative methodology, participants share how they perceive the effects of living with drug misusing parent/s as children. The study reveals that the large majority of participants claimed to have received no form of social or formal support during childhood, and in some cases the drug misusing parent/s or his/her partner was receiving support from a social work agency. This seems to imply that services working in the field of drug addiction are mainly focused on the needs of drug misusing adults rather than considering also the the needs of children living in drug misusing families. The research concludes with recommendations for professionals working with drug misusing parents and their children. Minimizing the harm and the risks for such children requires the joint effort of the various social sectors that are in contact with these children and their parents.