Peer-reviewed article

Where's Dad? The Importance of Integrating Fatherhood and Parenting Programming into Substance Use Treatment for Men

Carla Smith Stover, Melissa Carlson, Sarika Patel, Raquel Manalich · 1 Jul 2018

Abstract

Large numbers of men enter substance use disorder treatment each year, yet very little attention is paid to the fatherhood and parenting status of these men. Substance use treatment programmes for men rarely incorporate a parenting component into their treatment planning, despite the increased success of women's treatment programmes that focus on gender and motherhood. This paper provides: (1) a review of the literature on the fathering of substance‐using men, what has been learned from substance use disorder treatment for mothers, and the implications for children and families; (2) pilot quantitative and qualitative outcomes resulting from the implementation of a fatherhood‐focused intervention for men in a residential substance use treatment programme; and (3) recommendations for the application of these findings for fathers in substance use disorder treatment, and considers the implications of programme modifications and increased focus on fathers for child welfare. ‘Substance use treatment programmes for men rarely incorporate a parenting component’ Key Practitioner Messages Despite significant need, parenting and fatherhood‐focused interventions are typically not provided within substance abuse treatment facilities. Motherhood‐focused programmes have improved parenting and substance use outcomes for women. Integration of a fatherhood and parenting intervention into residential substance use treatment for men shows promise. Fathers for Change intervention within a residential treatment programme and aftercare setting was feasible, with high completion rates and satisfaction and reductions in affect regulation problems and hostility. ‘Integration of a fatherhood and parenting intervention into residential substance use treatment for men shows promise’