Geoffrey Maina1, Marcella Ogenchuk2, Taryn Phaneuf3, Abukari Kwame4. 1. College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Prince Albert Campus, 173 130- 1061 Central Avenue, Prince Albert, S6V 4W4, Canada. geoffrey.maina@usask.ca. 2. College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, 104 Clinic Place, HSc E Wing, 4226, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada. 3. College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Prince Albert Campus, 173 130- 1061 Central Avenue, Prince Albert, S6V 4W4, Canada. 4. University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The impact of addiction extends beyond the individual using a substance. Caring for an individual with addiction creates persistent stressful circumstances that cause worry, anger, depression, shame, guilt, anxiety, and behavioral problems within the family unit. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The paper aims to explore the experiences of caring for a relative with a substance use disorder (SUD) and self-care strategies caregivers employ. METHODS: The study adopted an exploratory qualitative design. To be included in the study, participants were required to have a relative with a (SUD) disorder and not be actively using the substance themselves. Individual interviews were conducted to gather their experiences, meanings, and how they made sense of caring for a relative with a SUD. RESULTS: Twenty one participants were involved in the study, of which 17 were women, and four were men of which there had a sister, four had a brother, eight had a parent, six had a dependent, and one participant had a grandparent with a SUD. Four themes, whose overarching focus is the pains of living and caring for a family with a SUD, caused the participants and how the participants mitigated these experiences CONCLUSION: The stress associated with caring for individuals with a SUD impacts the caregiver's physical and mental health. Specific care modalities targeting caregivers need to be developed to address the health impact and to support self-care.
BACKGROUND: The impact of addiction extends beyond the individual using a substance. Caring for an individual with addiction creates persistent stressful circumstances that cause worry, anger, depression, shame, guilt, anxiety, and behavioral problems within the family unit. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The paper aims to explore the experiences of caring for a relative with a substance use disorder (SUD) and self-care strategies caregivers employ. METHODS: The study adopted an exploratory qualitative design. To be included in the study, participants were required to have a relative with a (SUD) disorder and not be actively using the substance themselves. Individual interviews were conducted to gather their experiences, meanings, and how they made sense of caring for a relative with a SUD. RESULTS: Twenty one participants were involved in the study, of which 17 were women, and four were men of which there had a sister, four had a brother, eight had a parent, six had a dependent, and one participant had a grandparent with a SUD. Four themes, whose overarching focus is the pains of living and caring for a family with a SUD, caused the participants and how the participants mitigated these experiences CONCLUSION: The stress associated with caring for individuals with a SUD impacts the caregiver's physical and mental health. Specific care modalities targeting caregivers need to be developed to address the health impact and to support self-care.
Entities:
Keywords:
Caregiver distress; Self-care; Substance use
Authors: Kae Meng Thomas Lee; Victoria Manning; Hui Chin Teoh; Munidasa Winslow; Arthur Lee; Mythily Subramaniam; Song Guo; Kim Eng Wong Journal: Drug Alcohol Rev Date: 2011-07
Authors: Brett A Ewing; Karen Chan Osilla; Eric R Pedersen; Sarah B Hunter; Jeremy N V Miles; Elizabeth J D'Amico Journal: Addict Behav Date: 2014-10-24 Impact factor: 3.913