A new opportunity for families with babies through addiction rehabilitation

05.05.2025 - The Finnish Pidä kiinni® (Hold on) treatment model has proven to be a significant support for parents struggling with substance use issues and their young children. A comprehensive follow-up study confirms that the program improves parent-child interaction and supports the overall well-being of the family. Through rehabilitation, parents are given the opportunity to live a substance-free life together with their child.

Parental substance use can endanger a child’s development in many ways. That’s why addiction treatment, support for parenting, and the development of early interaction are crucial for securing the child’s well-being. The Pidä kiinni model has been developed since the 1990s by the Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters, with the goal of providing comprehensive rehabilitation for parents.

A nationwide follow-up study conducted by the University of Helsinki (2020–2024) showed that during treatment, parents experienced reduced symptoms of depression, improved physical condition, and better emotional regulation skills. In longer treatment periods, mothers’ attachment patterns became more secure. The children, in turn, became more emotionally responsive, and the majority were able to continue living with their parent after rehabilitation.

Addiction often stems from harmful childhood experiences

The study involved 89 parents and 93 children from across Finland. Many of the parents had histories of abuse and mental health challenges, and several struggled with polysubstance use. The children had been exposed to substance use during pregnancy, and some experienced withdrawal symptoms after birth.

The study concluded that early, long-term, and intensive treatment supports the overall well-being of the family and helps to break the cycle of harmful patterns passed down through generations. Through rehabilitation, parents learn to recognize their child's needs and build safer interactions.

“Addiction is often the result of multiple harmful experiences during the parents’ own childhood. Society failed to protect these individuals when they were children, allowing the problems to be passed on. Becoming a parent can be a powerful motivator to break free from substance use. No child should be denied the chance to have their parent change that story,” says Oona Ylönen, Secretary General of the Federation.

Even moderate drinking by parents can harm children

Each year, 3,000–6,000 fetuses in Finland are at risk of harm due to maternal substance use. Parental substance misuse—sometimes accompanied by violence—is one of the most common reasons for child welfare placements. From the child’s perspective, it’s not only visible heavy drinking that causes harm. Even occasional, careless drinking by parents can be detrimental, and so-called moderate drinking can also have negative effects.

“The treatment system has proven that it can effectively help these families. Every parent should be given the opportunity to undergo rehabilitation. It makes sense both ethically and economically. Removing a baby from their parents should only be considered after voluntary rehabilitation has failed. Rehabilitation is always a more cost-effective solution for society than foster care,” Ylönen says.

However, the future of the Pidä kiinni model is uncertain. In 2025, it did not receive state funding. According to the Federation’s calculations, Pidä kiinni family centers have already saved society over 1.5 billion euros compared to the cost of placing children outside their homes. The effectiveness of the model is backed by scientific evidence, but its continuation depends on practical action and sufficient resources.

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Source: ETKL