Family Support, Stress, Conflict, and Mental Health Among Mothers in Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

<b>Background:</b> Family can be a critical, yet complicated, source of support for mothers with substance use disorder(SUD). <b>Objectives:</b> The purpose of the current study is to explore associations between support, stress, andconflict within the family and mothers' mental health among mothers in treatment for opioid usedisorder (OUD). <b>Results:</b> The sample comprised 150 Black women who are parents of 3- to 5-year-oldchildren and in methadone treatment. The women were highly supported by family members,particularly their mothers, and most often regarding child care. A little under half the women whoreported receiving support from family members also reported having conflict with them. Familialstress was focused primarily on four main themes: conflict, substance use, estrangement, andcriticism. Family stress and conflict were more strongly associated with women's mental health thanfamilial support. <b>Conclusion:</b> The results highlight the need to support women in processing their familialrelationships and engaging families in treatment for SUD.