NCJ Number
208721
Journal
Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2005 Pages: 35-45
Date Published
February 2005
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study explored the role of organizations in supporting families affected by drug abuse.
Abstract
The drug user’s addiction to drugs affects not only the user, but their friends and family as well. There is little research exploring the impact of drug use on family members. The current research was conducted as part of a larger evaluation of drug prevention services in the United Kingdom. Semi-structured interviews with 21 clients and staff probed issues related to the experiences of parents of drug abusers and the benefits of accessing help from service organizations. A number of main themes emerged from the interview data; these include the experience of finding out about their child’s drug abuse, the ways this experience impacted the family, and the benefits associated with accessing specialist support via organizations. Client parents reported tangible benefits from accessing help, including a diminished sense of isolation and greater empathy for their child. One of the main obstacles to accessing assistance was a lack of awareness about their needs on the part of organizations. The findings suggest a need to further enhance interventions tailored to the needs of families of drug abusers. References