Supporting mothers in recovery: parenting classes

Abstract

Drug addiction is a serious issue in today's society. Women are giving birth to infants who are born addicted to illicit drugs, and these mothers are not able to care for their infants safely and competently without training and support. This article examines the prevalence of the problem. It also discusses the possible impact of parenting skills classes, as part of recovery efforts, for women seeking recovery who have recently given birth. Several programs already in place in the U.S have shown positive results for these mothers and their infants. Infants exposed in utero to illicit drugs need to be given all of the resources society can provide in an effort to stop the intergenerational cycle of drug addiction.