Å ha felles barn med nokon med rusmiddelproblem: ein kvalitativ pilotstudie

Objective: To examine the experiences of shared parental responsibility with someone affected by substance use disorder (SUD). Characteristics of the experiences and coping strategies were explored. Method: A semi-structured focus group interview was conducted with (N=4) individuals who consulted with a support service regarding their relationship. The participants shared parenting either in a current relationship or as ex-partners. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interviews. Results: Overall, participants reported significant strain due to shared parenting. The parents reported considerable concern for and strain in their efforts to compensate for the potential damage to the child caused by the parent with SUD. The parents reported varied views regarding professional help, some of them feeling further burdened by interactions with the health care services. Conclusions/Implications: These preliminary results substantiate an association between shared parenting with someone affected by SUD and potential traumatic strain and underline the need for adequate support for these parents. Our observations need further investigation in studies using a larger sample. Keywords: substance use disorders, next of kin, shared parenting, emotional strain, health care