“Everyone Blames You”: Stigma and Caregiver Burden Among Parents of Children With Substance Use Disorder

Recent increases in drug overdose deaths have created a significant public health crisis in the United States. Individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) often rely on their social support network as they engage in treatment and recovery. While support from parents, in particular, can be vital in recovery, stress associated with supporting loved ones with SUD can have detrimental effects on health and well-being. Stigma toward parents and loved ones further complicates the support they can offer. The present study explores caregiver burden and stigma experienced by parents of children with SUD. The impact of these experiences on their ability to access support and resources, both for themselves and their children, is of particular interest. In-depth one-on-one interviews were conducted with 25 parents (92% mothers) of children (ages 17–32 years old) with SUD. Qualitative thematic analysis resulted in three themes: (1) caregiving and associated burden, (2) parent experiences with SUD stigma, and (3) impact of stigma on caregiver support. Experiences of burden and stigma were prevalent; parents reported stigma directed at them due to their child’s diagnosis (associative stigma) as well as psychological distress they experienced witnessing their children experience stigma (vicarious stigma). Fear of judgment and shame led parents to avoid disclosing their child’s SUD to others and impeded help-seeking behavior. When parents did seek formal help, resources were limited and insufficient. The findings underscore the need for increased understanding and acceptance from the community, emphasizing the potential role of education in reshaping perceptions.