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 psychological impact when caring for individuals with active addictions and self-care strategies caregivers employ.Methods: The study adopted an exploratory qualitative design and used purposeful sampling to recruit study participants through posters, word-of-mouth, and e-mail. Study participants were required to have a family member living with addiction and not be active substance users themselves. In-depth individual interviews were conducted among 21 participants to gather their experiences, meanings, and interpretation of how it feels to provide care for a family member suffering from addiction and substance use.Results: Three themes, whose overarching focus is the pains that living and caring for a family with addiction caused the participants, are discussed. These included 1) caring experiences, 2) factors shaping caring experiences, and 3) self-care strategies.Conclusion: The stress associated with caring for individuals with addictions 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.
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