Stigma and Young People Whose Parents Use Substances

A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies Exploring Lived Experiences, Perceived Impact, and Coping Strategies of Children and Young People Whose Parents Use Substances

“…Kotova (2020), proposed a multifaceted and cumulative model of stigmatization that considers such associative stigma as well as stigma associated with socially excluded backgrounds of families of people in prison, which was amplified by political, legal, and social views about value and worth. Similarly, some young people whose parents use substances move from a position of being stigmatized due to their association with parental substance use, and their socially excluded backgrounds, to direct stigma and discrimination due to their own externalized behaviors, without recognition of their lived experience and trauma (Muir et al, 2022). Within the United Kingdom, the construction and labeling of some families and young people as "troubled" due, in part, to substance use, has been driven by government policies, national programs and media depictions, many of which have been viewed as propagating stigma (Cameron, 2011;Goldson & Muncie, 2015).…”

Interventions to Reduce Parental Substance Use, Domestic Violence and Mental Health Problems, and Their Impacts Upon Children’s Well-Being: A Systematic Review of Reviews and Evidence Mapping

“…Further, harm may be direct, with children living in households where one or more of these parental risk factors are present being more likely to experience child maltreatment (Dube et al, 2001); or indirect where children worry about parents' welfare, or through insecurity brought about by separation from parents during periods of hospitalization (Manning & Gregoire, 2006), or incarceration (Travis et al, 2014). The stigma surrounding each of these risk factors, as well as the lack of availability of support services for affected families, may also contribute to the difficulties and complexities faced by caregivers when caring for their children (W. McGovern et al, 2022;Muir et al, 2022).…”

“…The stigma surrounding each of these risk factors, as well as the lack of availability of support services for affected families, may also contribute to the difficulties and complexities faced by caregivers when caring for their children (W. McGovern et al, 2022; Muir et al, 2022).…”

Drugs, Identity and Stigma. By MichelleAddison, WilliamMcGovern & RuthMcGovern. Chan, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan, 2022. ISBN: 9783030982867

“…Another paper, by Muir, McGovern & Kaner, draws upon qualitative studies to explore ‘associative stigma’ [5] for children whose parents are heavy users of alcohol or other drugs, finding that young people in this situation are often ‘labelled with derogatory terms’ and experience shame. The parents’ drug use is often a taboo topic within the family and hidden from others, as others’ knowledge of it results in prejudice from teachers and health and social service workers, and impacts upon the children's ability to develop social relationships [6].…”

“…Another paper, by Muir, McGovern & Kaner, draws upon qualitative studies to explore 'associative stigma ' [5] for children whose parents are heavy users of alcohol or other drugs, finding that young people in this situation are often 'labelled with derogatory terms' and experience shame. The parents' drug use is often a taboo topic within the family and hidden from others, as others' knowledge of it results in prejudice from teachers and health and social service workers, and impacts upon the children's ability to develop social relationships [6].The book usefully pulls together a range of current perspectives and findings on the application and handling of stigma in connection with use of alcohol and other drugs, drawing upon more general developments in thinking about stigma. The perspectives and findings in it hold implications for further research and analysis on the stigma dimensions in the social environment of drinking and other drug use, and for professionals and policymakers concerning the framing and handling of substance use problems in health and other societal response systems.…”