Adolescent Onset of Maternal Substance Abuse: Descriptive Findings From a Feasibility Trial

Abstract

Although maternal substance abuse in child welfare populations is a well-documented occurrence, little is known about the onset of these behaviors or the substance abuse histories of these mothers. Descriptive data from a small feasibility trial of mothers referred for substance abuse and child neglect suggest adolescent onset of hard substance use. Age of onset was associated with family history of use. The majority of mothers reported polysubstance abuse starting at an early age and quickly escalating patterns of behavior, including intravenous drug use. Implications for prevention efforts for children of families identified with substance abuse problems are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• child welfare
• early onset
• methamphetamine

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse KDA021603. Special acknowledgments go to Patricia Chamberlain, the primary mentor on this work, and Jocelyn Barton, who provided data management.

The grant supporting this work is awarded to OSLC Community Programs, an affiliate of Oregon Social Learning Center.

Notes

^a Total equals greater than total sample due to two reports of using alcohol with another substance at onset.

^b Indicates alcohol use to the point of intoxication.

Note. Only participants who engaged in use of both substances are counted in relationship.

*p < .05. **p < .001. ⁺ p < .10.