‘Special death’: Living with bereavement by drug-related death in Ireland

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of complicated grief on the family system following the drug-related death of a family member. Drug-related deaths are rife with moral stigmas, and those left behind often carry an emotional burden laden with shame and guilt. 17 bereaved family members were interviewed using semi-structured interviews and transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three core themes were generated: Renegotiation of Relationships; Experiencing Complex Emotions; and Adjusting to a New Reality. The findings demonstrate that this population experience great difficulty in processing their grief as they struggle with family breakdown, navigating supports and stigma.

How do Professionals in Municipal Health and Welfare Relate to Bereaved Persons During the Acute Phase of a Drug-Related Death? A Qualitative Study

“…However, individuals bereaved through DRD report a lack of support. Most DRD-bereaved persons encounter a complex service system that is difficult to navigate, professional helpers who lack knowledge, and, subsequently, challenging communication ( Feigelman et al, 2011 ; Lambert et al, 2021 ; Richert et al, 2021 ; Titlestad et al, 2019 ; Valentine et al, 2018 ). Our material finds that the complexity of first responding services, the number and variety of professionals and their particular focus, and the need to react urgently may give rise to best practice challenges.…”

“…Losing a close family member/friend to a DRD can have consequences both for the individual and for society. Factors that may complicate the bereavement process include the strain of lifestyle risks associated with severe drug use prior to the death, a lack of social support, disenfranchised grief, and stigma before and after the death ( Christiansen et al, 2020 ; Doka, 1999 ; Feigelman et al, 2011 ; Lambert et al, 2021 ; Løberg et al, 2019 ; Titlestad et al, 2021 ). In addition to personal suffering, there are also financial and societal ramifications arising from loss of health.…”

“…In particular, we know little about professionals’ experience of dealing with persons bereaved through DRD. The majority of the research has sought to understand how to appropriately serve persons bereaved through DRD from the bereaved’s perspective ( Lambert et al, 2021 ; Templeton et al, 2016 ; Titlestad et al, 2019 ; Valentine et al, 2018 ; Walter et al, 2017 ).…”

The impact of COVID-19 on health care professionals who are exposed to drug-related deaths while supporting clients experiencing addiction

“…Given the long-term impact of complicated grief ( Lambert et al, 2021 ; Titlestad et al, 2019 ), more rigorous welfare policies must be implemented to protect employees' well-being. More specifically, policies should aim to decrease anxiety around decision-making and provide targeted bereavement recovery programs that address complicated grief.…”

“…Predictors for complicated grief, as such, include the nature of the death and closeness to the deceased. Recent literature has identified intense and complicated grief reactions associated with drug-related deaths, where deaths occur due to substances, but the cause of death may also be violence, accidental overdose, infectious disease, or suicide ( Lambert et al, 2021 ; Titlestad et al, 2019 ).…”