Resilience in Children of Substance Users: In Their Own Words

• NCJ Number: 219097
• Journal: Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 42 Issue: 2-3 Dated: 2007 Pages: 381-398
• Author(s): Jerry Moe; Jeannette L. Johnson; Wendy Wade
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article presents interview data from 50 children of substance users who describe their views on resilience.

Abstract

Results indicated three main themes regarding children’s view of resilience: (1) substance abuse behavior; (2) perceptions of substance abuse behavior; and (3) internal resources. In terms of substance use behavior, most children thought that in order to have good lives their parents should be free of drugs and so should they. In terms of perceptions of substance abuse behavior, several children indicated they must let go of their guilt about their parent’s substance use, while other children indicated that treatment and recovery were important components of resilience. Many children reported the presence of a positive adult role model was important for their resilience. In terms of internal resources, children reported that in order to have a good life they should express their feelings, have knowledge about their parent’s substance use problems, and make good life choices. The interviews suggested that the children of substance abusers do not believe that having a good life consists of having tangible things. Instead, these children believed the pathway to a good life centered on intangibles, such as making good choices. Future research should focus on the developmental pathways of resilient individuals. Participants were 50 children who participated in the Betty Ford Children’s Program for children of substance users between October 2001 and October 2002. Participants completed a battery of standardized assessment instruments both before and after the 4-day program. The current analysis focuses on the standardized qualitative interview, which focused on eight main areas: (1) feelings; (2) knowledge of addiction; (3) thoughts about their parents drinking; (4) usefulness of information received from the program; (5) knowledge of treatment; (6) knowledge of recovery; (7) knowledge about resilience; and (8) perception of the Betty Ford Children’s Program. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed for content using a thematic analysis plan. Table, resume, glossary, references