Methadone-maintained mothers: 3-year follow-up of parental functioning.

A group of 57 methadone-maintained mothers and 31 matched drug-free controls were compared on their ability to provide adequate child care, capacity for satisfying interpersonal relationships, and motivation for self-improvement. Results indicate that, as a group, methadone mothers require more assistance in parenting, are more socially isolated, and are less likely to pursue vocational and educational activities. The interpersonal and environmental impact of poor parenting further compounds the effects of in utero exposure to methadone, placing these infants at high risk.