Substance use disorder: a model of atmosphere within families living with SUD

Abstract

This study shares the experiences of 16 family members who have lived with a close relative with substance use disorder (SUD). Primarily, the study asks, what are the experiences of family members living with an individual with SUD? In particular, what are their experiences of affection and emotional bonds? Moreover, it asks, what are the experiences of each family member regarding cohesion and communication? Qualitative methods were used, and 16 semi-structured interviews were conducted. The participants were organized into groups of four: four parents, four spouses, four adult children and four siblings of individuals affected by SUD. Each group comprised two men and two women. Overall, the participants felt that SUD had harmed their families’ emotional bonds. Parents and adult children reported greater affection toward their relatives with SUD (children and parents) than spouses and siblings did toward their relatives affected by SUD (spouses and siblings). These feelings were expressed in terms of positive emotions such as compassion and hope, whereas spouses and siblings expressed more negative feelings such as hopelessness or rage. From the analysis, a proposed dynamic functional model of emotional states in the study’s families was formed, showing the dynamics of feelings and emotional bonds between specific family members and the family member with SUD (This paper is a part of a larger research project).