Abstract

 
 
 Drug use in Malaysia has steadily increased over the past decade. Drug addiction does not only affect the addict, but it also impacts the lives of their family members. This qualitative study seeks to explore how the drug user’s family members cope with the drug abuse problems in the family. A total of 20 respondents, acting as heads of their families, from the state of Penang, were interviewed. The findings indicated that the respondents utilized both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies to cope with the drug addiction problems in the family. The respondents in this study also used both formal and informal social support systems to cope with the drug abuse problems caused by drug abuse within the family. This study suggests that the drug user’s family members should engage themselves in self-help and support groups to find and learn about constructive coping strategies used by other families who have a similar experience in dealing with drug abuse problems in the family. In addition, by engaging themselves in self-help and support groups, it will help the drug user’s family members gain emotional and social support from other drug user’s family members.
 
 
Highlights
Cases with substance abuse especially on drug in Malaysia is currently on the rise
To support the aforementioned findings, a local research conducted by Singh and Azman (2015) further agreed and found out that there were stigma and discriminations confronted by the family members of drug abuser in Malaysia especially in the state of Penang
The findings of this study indicated that the respondents implemented both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies
Summary
Cases with substance abuse especially on drug in Malaysia is currently on the rise. The abuser were affected destructively, and the abuser’s family (Oreo & Ozgul, 2007). Drug abuse does affect harmfully to its abuser and towards the whole family members in a way that their social life will be deteriorated due to stigma and discrimination from the society. Fisher (2007) found that the family members of drug abuser encounter severe problems in their societal relationship with the community. To support the aforementioned findings, a local research conducted by Singh and Azman (2015) further agreed and found out that there were stigma and discriminations confronted by the family members of drug abuser in Malaysia especially in the state of Penang
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