Perspectives of mothers and fathers affected by addiction of an adolescent/adult child – results from a mixed-method study

Addiction has an impact not only on the individual but also on family members. Stress and strain are high especially in parents of individuals with an addiction. Aim of the study is to focus on the experiences of parents and to integrate their view in a model for a better understanding of psychosocial burdens of addiction-affected families.

The multi-modal study included qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews following a guideline based on the Stress-Strain-Information-Coping-Support Model and additional quantitative assessment. Participants were recruited via self-help groups for parents (nationwide and regional). Data of 21 mothers and 9 fathers were analysed in terms of gender differences.

While mothers were more affected by emotional and cognitive stress factors, fathers suffered more from violent conflicts. Mothers tended more towards stressful coping strategies such as taking responsibility and tabooing the addiction, whereas fathers were more able to distance themselves from the addiction problem. For mothers, feelings of guilt and shame were a major barrier to seeking help; for fathers, the lack of admission of their own helplessness played a significant role. Both groups expressed the wish for extended support, better access to the help system, intensified media awareness, and advertisement of easy-to-access emergency help.

Feelings of guilt, shame, and fear of stigmatisation were identified as key barriers to seeking professional help. The Stress-Strain-Information-Coping-Support Model of how family members are affected by addiction was enlarged to include ‘barriers to’ and ‘needs for’ support.