Examining the Experiences of Affected Family Members in Morocco: A Descriptive Study of 64 Cases

Abstract

The research described in this paper resulted from the study of the relatives of problem drug users called “affected family members” (AFM) involving two practitioners in our Psychiatric University Hospital Ar-Razi within the timeframe of January 2022 to April 2022. The objective of this research was simply to interview 64 close AFM, with the identification occurring through external consultations. Quantitative and qualitative results show that large numbers of these relatives reported many negative experiences, reporting both psychiatric and psychosomatic issues. Relatives reported many negative effects in terms of how they endure stigma and how the experiences had affected their health. They also described various coping mechanisms, and the extent of the support which they had received. The results are discussed in terms of coping, perceived stigma, health consequences, quality of life and it focuses on the difficulties, feelings, and interactions they face due to their loved one's substance use. The AFMs represent a vulnerable population susceptible to adverse health-related consequences. Therefore, they must be systematically included as pivotal targets for treatment protocols.