THE FAMILIES OF PROBLEM DRUG-USERS - A STUDY OF 50 CLOSE RELATIVES

The research described in this paper resulted from a collaborative mul ti-centre study of the relatives of problem drug users involving six p ractitioners and researchers, in four centres within the south-west of England The objective of this research was simply to interview 50 clo se relatives of identified problem drug users, with the identification occurring through clinics and self-help groups. Quantitative and qual itative results show that large numbers of these relatives reported ma ny negative experiences. The partners of illicit drug users reported b oth more and differently patterned problematic behaviours than those o f prescribed tranquilliser users. The partners of illicit users also r eported different problems to those of the parents. Relatives reported many negative effects in terms of how they viewed the drug user, and how the experiences had affected their health. They also described var ious coping mechanisms, and the extent of the support which they had r eceived. The results are discussed in terms of coping, and similarity with research into the families of problem drinkers.