The Emotional Implications of Adopting a Drug Exposed Child

Abstract

Adopting children who were prenatally drug exposed may lead to stresses and concerns for adoptive parents. This qualitative research study examined the emotional implications of adopting a drug exposed child. This is a vastly under studied area. This study sought to create awareness of the emotional challenges of parenting drug exposed children. The study was conducted through semi-structured interview of three adoptive mothers. Analysis of the data revealed four overarching themes: developmental concerns for the child; change in home life and family relationships; the importance of resources; and the overall emotional impact of raising a drug exposed child. This research examines the role that each of these themes play in the emotional implications of adopting a drug exposed child. Findings may aid in the creation of appropriate training and interventions to promote emotionally healthy adoptive families of children who were prenatally drug exposed.