How does the common core to the harm experienced by affected family members vary by relationship, social and cultural factors?

Abstract

This paper takes an international perspective on the harm to close family members caused by addiction. It draws on data collected by the Addiction and the Family International Network (AFINet), England, and their colleagues in other countries. It includes qualitative data based on semi-structured interviews in Mexico, England, Australia (an Indigenous sample), Nigeria, and India; quantitative data based on the use of a standard set of questionnaires specifically designed or chosen for use with family members affected by addiction problems collected in Mexico, England, Italy, Brazil and the USA. The results are interpreted to suggest that, although there is a common core to the harm experienced by all affected family members (AFMs), the family harm is variable, dependent in important ways on relationship, social and cultural factors. Specifically, it is hypothesised that AFMs experience greater coping difficulty and higher levels of strain under conditions of: greater accumulated burden; a family position of structural subordination and dependence; and lack of good quality social support.