Family Focused Treatment
Incorporating Family Into Treatment Plans
Relationships with family and children play crucially important roles in every aspect of a woman’s drug use – including abuse, treatment and relapse. This is why the Ohio Women’s Network supports the use of family-focused treatment.
The Effectiveness of These Treatments
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) argues that there is substantial evidence of the usefulness of treating substance-abusing women in the context of family and child relationships, as well as in promoting drug-free pregnancies. The available scientific evidence speaks to the effectiveness of these interventions, when implemented correctly. They are also shown to reduce drug-related social and medical costs, as well as rates of re-offending.
Protecting Children
The children of women dealing with substance abuse are at increased risk of abuse and neglect, not to mention developing their own substance abuse issues later in life. Substance abuse treatment and family therapy are often better suited to address these sorts of complex family dynamics – and treating the family, rather than the individual, can reduce reliance on public services such as foster care.
Promoting Worthwhile Programming
Though evidence shows that family-focused treatment can be highly valuable when implemented properly, not all programs are implemented properly. It’s critical for the relevant agencies to ensure these treatment programs have appropriate oversight.
The Numbers
- Approximately 70% of women admitted to substance abuse treatment have children.
- Almost 80% of children in foster care nationwide have at least one parent abusing substances.
- Of roughly 14,000 children in foster care in Ohio, approximately 11,000 have at least one substance-abusing parent.
- Some 25% of Ohio children are touched in some way by substance abuse.
Contact Us Today
We at the Ohio Women’s Network support the use of properly-implemented family treatment for women dealing with substance abuse. To learn more about these programs, contact us today.