The experiences of affected family members: A summary of two decades of qualitative research

Abstract

This article is based upon the collective findings of a number of studies conducted in a number of countries during the past 20 years. Female partners and mothers are the family members who have been most represented in the study samples, but the latter also included sizeable numbers of male partners, fathers, sisters, brothers and adult sons and daughters. Citing examples taken from the studies, the article describes some of the most prominent elements of the stressful experience of living with a relative who is drinking or taking drugs excessively, notably: the relationship with a relative becoming disagreeable and sometimes aggressive; conflict over money and possessions; the experience of uncertainty; worry about the relative; and home and family life being threatened. The reasons why family members may put up with substance misuse are described, and the ways in which family members may either withdraw and gain independence or stand up to substance misuse, as alternative ways of coping, are outlined. Examples of the strain experienced by family members are given. The kinds of social support valued by family members are explained, as is the finding that good quality social support for family members is often lacking. The article concludes by offering an integrated view highlighting the disempowered position in which family members usually find themselves and the importance of good social support for family members in their coping efforts. Although the picture is coloured by factors such as sociocultural group and the ages and genders of family members and their relatives, we believe the core experience for affected family members is a universal one.

What carers of family members with mental illness say, think and do about their relative's smoking and the implications for health promotion and service delivery: a qualitative study

“…This was demonstrated by our participants as part of ensuring cigarette supply to avoid other more adverse consequences for the person, like public begging or picking up butts in the community, or financial support to ensure their community tenure (for example, paying utility bills on time). Orford, Velleman, Copello, Templeton & Ibanga's (2010) extensive research on experiences of family members living with a relative with drug and/or alcohol addiction offers clear parallels with experiences recounted by this study's participants. These include the experience of hopes and dreams that had been invested in an important relationship 'going wrong', uncertainty and worry about their family member, the family member not actively taking part in family life and conflict over money.…”

“…The results of this study demonstrate that this response must acknowledge and support the important role that family carers can play, and must support the carers themselves. Orford et al (2010) propose five steps that service providers could take to assist family members. Here we have applied these to carers of smokers with mental illness:…”

An exploration of the lived experiences of people with alcohol-related harm in Scotland

“…Additionally, careful consideration needs to be given to the families of low-income harmful drinkers who might be disadvantaged if consumption is maintained, despite higher prices. These financial constraints may well be in addition to existing multiple stresses and coping dilemmas being experienced by affected family members (Orford et al, 2010), thereby putting them at increased risk for ill-health, potentially resulting in increased personal and public service costs (Orford et al, 2013).…”

Alcohol’s harm to others: Using qualitative research to complement survey findings

“…The literature on harms to children as a result of someone else's drinking found neglect, violence, or abuse, or exposure to these, to be the main harms both internationally (Holmila, Itäpuisto, & Ilva, 2011;Mongan, Hope, & Nelson, 2009;Orford, Velleman, Copello, Templeton, & Ibanga, 2010;Velleman, Templeton, Reuber, Klein, & Moesgen, 2008) and in Australia (Dawe et al, 2007;Gruenert, Ratnam, & Tsantefski, 2004;Laslett et al, 2010). So while the emotional neglect theme had not been measured specifically in the Australian AHTO survey, it was not new.…”