Ways of coping with excessive drug use in the family: A provisional typology based on the accounts of 50 close relatives

Abstract

This paper outlines an eight‐fold typology of coping actions based upon a qualitative analysis of the accounts provided by 50 close relatives of people with drug problems. In a number of different ways relatives draw attention to the contrasts between these distinguishable ways of coping. Emphasis is placed upon the provisional nature of this typology and upon the compromises between, and combinations of, ways of coping that are often used by relatives in practice. Different ways of coping represent alternative choices for relatives, often explicitly expressed by them as difficult dilemmas. Links are suggested between the ways of coping identified here and those discussed in the literature on coping with other disorders and disabilities in the family, with ways of coping described in the general literature on coping with stress, and with types of social action appearing in general models of interpersonal behaviour. Implications for counselling close relatives of people with drug problems are also outlined.

Dyadic adjustment in parents of daughters with an eating disorder

“…The burden may be associated with couple difficulties that lead to a rise in the divorce rate (Fadden, Bebbington, & Kuipers, 1987). Orford et al (1992) considered that the burden involved in having a drug-addicted child could damage the couple relationship and Brook, Whiteman, and Gordon (1983) agree that the conjugal conflict has negative effects on the child and that it plays an important role in the addiction. Olin and Fenell (1989) suggested that anxiety and depression negatively influence the dyadic adjustment.…”

Angehörige von drogenabhängigen Menschen – Suchterkrankungen aus einer anderen Perspektive

“…In den nachfolgenden Kapiteln werden Bewältigungsstrategien vorgestellt, die empirisch erhoben worden sind (Orford, 1994;Orford, Natera, Davies, Nava, Mora, Rigby et al, 1998e;Orford, Rigby, Miller, Tod, Bennett & Velleman, 1992). Schliesslich widmet sich ein Kapitel noch den Bewältigungsstrategien, die für eine erfolgreiche Bewältigung der Belastungen vorgeschlagen wurden (Ligon, 2004 …”

Control, confront or collude: how family and society respond to excessive drinking

“…This is based on the early work carried out at the Addiction Research Unit here (Orford & Guthrie, 1976i Orford et al, 1976 and our more recent work in South West England and in Mexico (Orford et at., 1990;Orford et al, 1992). From the account given by the wife in my first illustration, it seems that she was high on tolerant coping, with some inactive, controlling, independent, and supportive coping, but with relatively little evidence of emotional, avoiding, or confrontative coping.…”