Exploring the long -term benefits of 'specialized' treatment services for mothers in recovery

Using a qualitative design of in-depth interviews, this study explored the perceived effects of "specialized" support services as experienced by four mothers in a residential treatment program for substance abuse. The research questions focused on the long-term aspects of treatment and recovery. The results produced a rich source of information in the actual "voices" of the mothers. Data analysis identified eighteen outstanding themes important to recovery. The themes were organized into clusters to show how they emerged in the data. Three of the eighteen themes---learning about parenting, the childcare dilemma and having a child in treatment with the mother---were central to the final conclusions, with the latter theme bringing forth particular concerns and recommendations for future research.;In addition to the in-depth interviews, two questionnaires were employed to provide contrast and comparison of the mothers to other women in the residential treatment facility, and to other parents with substance abuse problems. The first measure was a Treatment Program Rating Scale, and the second measure was the Parent-Stress Index - Short-Form (PSI-SF). Results of the Treatment Program Rating Scale showed that the majority of women in the residential program, including the four mothers agreed on the level of effectiveness for most of the services that were provided. Some differences however, were apparent in the ratings on parenting skills and childcare services, showing overall ratings from the mothers as only somewhat effective. The PSI-SF scores indicated higher levels of parenting stress for only one of the mothers during her residency in the treatment center. Overall, the scores for these mothers were lower than other "at-risk" populations of substance-abusing parents.;Three "global" themes emerged from the final analysis: "Community", "Commitment" and "Courage". A categorical analysis of the eighteen themes and the three global themes revealed possible treatment perspectives to enhance "specialized" services. Further suggestions advocate the inclusion of self-efficacy and family systems theories to support efforts toward more long-term benefits for mothers in residential treatment programs for substance abuse.