Policy Issues for Integrating Parenting Interventions and Addiction Treatment for Women

Addiction treatment programs for women and their children and early intervention programs for children of substance-abusing families are faced with many challenges, including the need to integrate treatment and parenting interventions. This article addresses the rationale for linking treatment and parenting and discusses critical issues for programs. The experiences found in several types of intervention and treatment programs are reviewed. Specific components of a parenting program for women in recovery, based on The Family Recovery Center, a research and demonstration grant funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), are detailed. Program guidelines for parenting interventions with families affected by substance abuse are offered.