What happens when we truly listen to fathers in drug treatment?
This study is part of the Pompidou Group’s project Children Whose Parents Use Drugs, launched in 2020 to deepen understanding and improve services for families affected by substance use. The Pompidou Group expanded its focus by elaborating in 2024 the practical guide Integrating gender and children’s rights in services for families affected by drug use.
With this publication, FATHERS: Men in drug treatment services share their life paths and the processes and feelings of becoming and being parents, the Pompidou Group took another innovative, yet logical step: listening to fathers. Across research in the field of addiction and its impact on the parental role and the lives of children,
researchers have primarily focused on the maternal role. This publication explores the intersection of masculinity, parenting, and substance use.
This study was made possible thanks to the informed and voluntary participation of 94 fathers, who, in 11 different countries, participated in individual or collective interviews. Their voice is the pillar and the purpose of this work. Listening to them is not only innovative, but essential if we aim to provide comprehensive support to children in families affected by substance use.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS CHAPTER 1 - OPENING TESTIMONIES CHAPTER 2 - INTRODUCTION
2.1. Context
2.2. Content
CHAPTER 3 - INFORMATION ON FATHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN CHAPTER 4 - CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND SUBSTANCE USE
4.1. Adverse childhood experiences
4.2. Paths of substance use
CHAPTER 5 - BECOMING AND BEING FATHERS
5.1. Experiences, feelings and concerns
5.2. Single dads
5.3. Narratives and practices around substance use and parenting
5.4. Impact of drug use
S.S. Challenges of gender equity and parenthood mainstreaming in services
CHAPTER 6 - FINAL REMARKS AND RECOMMENDATIONS REFERENCES APPENDIX 1 - SERVICES AND PROFESSIONALS INVOLVED IN THE RESEARCH APPENDIX 2 - QUESTIONNAIRE
Note for the interviewer
Information on the participants and questions
