Parents addicted to methamphetamine ("crystal meth") are likely to be impaired in meeting parental responsibilities, and the developmental settings can be highly disadvantageous for children. Therefore, parenting by methamphetamine-addicted mothers and fathers needs further exploration, while considering the impact on children affected by parental substance use. In our study, we analysed parenting practices and parental stress as well as children's behavioural problems using standardized assessments. The sample consisted of 87 methamphetamine-addicted parents in recovery. We obtained data on parents' current substance use and on their psychological distress. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of children's overall problems.Parents reported high levels of parental and psychological distress, even after achieving abstinence. Especially depressive perceptions of parenthood appeared problematic. While recovering from methamphetamine addiction, parents exhibited a precarious psychosocial situation and problematic parenting behaviour. Dysfunctional parenting practices were evident in both indifferent and overreactive tendencies.Children were at risk of behavioural and emotional problems. Variables associated with parenting showed significant predictive value for children's overall problems, beyond current substance use, and psychological distress. These findings are discussed in terms of a family-oriented perspective in order to promote parenting capabilities of methamphetamine-addicted parents and to prevent problematic development of their children.
Background The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic not only threatens physical health, but also affects the mental health of people. Yet, health consequences of the pandemic do not affect all members of society equally. We therefore assessed the mental health burden of individuals who are at increased risk of severe illness from Covid-19 compared to individuals who are at low risk of severe illness during the first lockdown (March, 2020) in Germany. Furthermore, we investigated variables mediating the effect of being an individual at increased risk of serve illness on depression. Methods Adult German residents (n = 2.369) provided responses to a cross-sectional online survey about risk factors for of severe illness from Covid-19 and various aspects of mental health during the first lockdown in Germany. For data collection, standardized and validated self-report measures were used and for data analysis Mann-Whitney U-tests as well as regression and mediation analyses were performed. Results The results clearly show that the mental health burden is higher among individuals at increased risk of severe illness from Covid-19 compared to individuals at low risk of severe illness from Covid-19. Moreover, our findings indicate that the association between Covid-19 risk status and depressive symptoms is mediated by concerns about mental health, anxiety and loneliness in a causal effect chain. Conclusions Individuals at increased risk of severe illness from Covid-19 have an increased need for psychosocial support during times of lockdown. Future public health policies should pay special attention to these individuals and support them by targeted offers. More research, however, is needed on possible long-term consequences of social distancing on mental health.
EpidemiologieIn Deutschland sind älteren Zahlen zufolge etwa 5-6 Millionen Kin der und Jugendliche unter 20 Jahren von einer elterlichen Alkohol abhängigkeit betroffen [1]. Dies kann auf einer Exposition im El ternhaus gegenüber einem oder zwei suchtkranken Elternteilen beruhen, wobei die Dauer dieser Exposition durchaus variiert. Neu ere Hochrechnungen zeigen, dass 22 % der Elternteile, die mit min destens einem eigenen minderjährigen Kind im Haushalt leben, einen riskanten Alkoholkonsum aufweisen [2]. Dies bedeutet, dass in Deutschland bis zu 6,6 Millionen Kinder mit einem Elternteil mit riskantem Alkoholkonsum zusammenleben. In Bezug auf eine el terliche Drogenabhängigkeit besagen Schätzungen, dass etwa 60 000 Kinder von einem opiatabhängigen Elternteil abstammen und mit diesem zusammenleben [3].
Introduction A large number of people who use crystal methamphetamine in Germany are parents of young children. In the context of methamphetamine use, family situations and parenting are frequently impacted, and children are at risk of developing behavioral or emotional difficulties. SHIFT Parent Training was developed as a parenting intervention targeted specifically to the needs of methamphetamine-involved parents. The eight-session group training is delivered in substance use treatment settings and aims to foster abstinence and improve parenting skills and resilience within the families. Methods The primary goal of this pilot study was to assess the initial effectiveness and acceptance of the SHIFT intervention. The quasi-experimental study design included pre-, post- and 6-month follow-up measurements. Sixty-eight methamphetamine-involved parents participated in all stages of the study. Substance use, parenting practices, and family functioning and resilience were primary effectiveness outcome measures. Additionally, acceptance was assessed by participants' and professionals' feedback. Results Substance use problems were significantly lower in the intervention condition at the 6-month follow-up. Positive parenting of mothers and fathers also increased in the intervention group directly after participation. Both the intervention and control groups showed significant improvements in family functioning, parenting stress and children's behavioral issues. Participants and facilitators reported that they were highly satisfied with the program. Conclusion Our findings suggest that SHIFT Parent Training is an effective intervention and is well-accepted among parents and health professionals. The program improves relevant aspects of substance use-related issues and parenting and therefore poses a valuable addition to support services for methamphetamine-involved families.
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