Mothering in the shadow of methamphetamine: women’s experiences of sharing parenthood with a father who uses methamphetamine

Background Families affected by paternal methamphetamine use experience severe emotional, social, and economic strain. However, little is known about the lived experiences of mothers who share parenthood with methamphetamine-using partners, particularly in non-Western contexts. This study examined how Iranian mothers navigate caregiving, survival, and resilience in families affected by paternal substance use.Methods Eighteen women aged 28–45 participated in semi-structured interviews, analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.Results Fathers’ methamphetamine use destabilized family functioning and compelled mothers to assume both caregiving and breadwinning roles, resulting in chronic exhaustion and psychological strain. Participants described profound isolation and insufficient support from kin networks, welfare services, and public institutions. Children were deeply affected—displaying fear, shame, and emotional distress—while mothers struggled to preserve dignity and safety with limited external assistance. Despite overwhelming adversity, motherhood emerged as a primary source of purpose and strength, enabling women to endure and maintain hope.Conclusions The findings highlight how addiction, gender inequality, and weak institutional support intersect to shape maternal experiences. They underscore the need for culturally informed, family-based interventions and social policies that alleviate caregiver burden and promote family resilience in contexts of paternal substance use.