The family and substance abuser in the mental health institution environment

Abstract

Background: South African drug usage demographics are rare. Substance abuse disorder patients and their families have complex interactions. This study examines family members living with drug addict.

Aim: The study seeks to investigate the experiences of family members living with a substance use disorder (SUD) individual.

Setting: The research took place in a Gqeberha psychiatric facility. Low-income households were interviewed.

Methods: This research is qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study. Recorded and transcribed in-depth patient family interviews were collected. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The data themes were interpreted using family systems theory.

Results: Each of the three main themes has subthemes. The first theme concerns family members’ inadequate comprehension of addiction. The subtheme explores family members’ denial and failure to recognize substance use disease symptoms. The second theme concerns variations in behaviour that challenge cultural norms. This subtheme addresses hallucinations, delusions, and fury in SUD patients. The third theme addresses the negative effects of drug use on families, potentially leading to divorce. This subtheme focuses on the family’s lack of awareness of resources that may have supported them and the SUD individual.

Conclusion: Immediate family members are crucial to patient recovery. The family seemed to be struggling living with an SUD relative. Experts should help the family to manage the addict’s treatment. Healthcare education can help families cope with substance abusers.

Contribution: This study will assist the nursing administration in discovering ways to help families manage a loved one with an SUD.