Parental Problem Drug Use

Abstract

First paragraph: Primary Care has an important role in the care of children and families affected by parental problem drug use. This chapter focuses on the skills required to work effectively with drug-using parents. It aims to complement guidance on working with children, and includes an overview of drug policy and drug treatment, the scale and nature of the problem, a framework for care and good practice, and examples of harm reduction strategies and interventions. The chapter draws on evidence from impact and intervention studies on parental problem drug use, as well as qualitative research on drug-using parents and their families. Findings from the author’s own qualitative research study involving drug-using fathers are incorporated.