Experience and coping strategies in relatives of addicts.

Ana Lucia De Moraes Horta,Celina Daspett,Julia Horta Tabosa Do Egito,Rosa Maria Stefanini De Macedo

doi:10.1590/0034-7167-2015-0044

Abstract

to understand the experience and coping strategies in relatives of drug addicts. a study was developed with 87 relatives of addicts, registered in two Basic Health Units. The focus group was used as the study method, and content analysis was applied. four categories were chosen: perception of relatives about the drug addiction of their family members; feelings and attitudes related to being a relative of an addict; difficulties found in the process; and, coping strategies. The findings reflected the difficulty when mentioning the subject, and the need of being cared for. Relatives believed that the addict needs to have the will to get into treatment, and they faced challenges in dealing with sporadic disappearances. They pointed to feelings of pity, impotence, disgust, hate, shame, fear of aggressiveness, and humiliation. the biggest difficulties were dealing with relapses, and the lack of public resources. Religiosity and faith, isolation and advice were used as coping strategies; ambivalence in thoughts and attitudes was demonstrated.

Highlights

The use of psychoactive substances is an old practice, present in several cultures since ancient times
A qualitative study was developed with 87 relatives of drug addicts registered in two Basic Health Units (BHUs) of the city of Diadema (SP), Brazil
A focus group (FG) was used, considering the analysis possibility of study designs that consider the vision of the participants related to an experience or event[7,8]

Summary

Introduction

The use of psychoactive substances is an old practice, present in several cultures since ancient times. Considering its culture, time, knowledge and goals, use and abuse are evident and common, either with licit or illicit drugs[1,2]. This subject constitutes a public health problem, in Brazil as well as worldwide, because of the repercussion that it causes for the user, family and community. To talk about harm reduction related to the use and/or abuse of substances, the contemporary challenges in the field involve prejudice and the intersectorial demands to address the issue[6]

Methods

Results

Conclusion