This chapter describes research-based knowledge based on summarized research and several systematic literature reviews (Orford et al., Drugs Educ Prev Policy 17(sup1):44–62, 2010; Kourgiantakis et al., J Soc Work Pract Addict 13(4):353–72, 2013; Orford et al., Coping with alcohol and drug problems: the experiences of family members in three contrasting cultures, Routledge, Oxfordshire, 2013; Lindeman et al., Drugs Educ Prev Policy 1–13, 2021; Orford, Drugs Educ Prev Policy 24(1):9–16, 2017; Lindeman et al., Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 18(1):2202970, 2023) about commonalities and variations in the addiction-affected family members’ (AFMs) experiences. Living with a relative’s addiction, such as problematic substance use or problem gambling, is often described as highly stressful, with severe and far-reaching consequences, including uncertainty, worries, and complicated family life. The families’ understanding of addiction changes often with time, involving constant adaptation and reevaluating of resources for helping the family member with addiction. AFMs who just knew about a family member’s addiction, AFMs who have lived with these challenges for several years and AFMs experiencing long-term recovery have a different focus. The hardship AFMs experience varies and seems to be affected to different degrees, depending on the closeness of the relationship and how dependent AFM is on the person with the addiction. The family members’ roles and positions in the family and how the environments, such as networks and societies, relate to families experiencing addiction are variations that impact their situation. Many AFMs experience isolation and lack support and help from services, communities, and societies. Families are especially vulnerable in countries where the welfare system has fewer resources, and citizens may experience insecurity. Addiction services in many countries still struggle to incorporate family involvement into routine treatment practices and need better structures to include family members. The experience of addiction and recovery from a family perspective is complex, diverse, and multifaceted, and professionals need awareness of both commonalities and variations. For AFMs experiencing the accumulated burden of several problems simultaneously, increased awareness is required. Another important notice is that complex social problems such as addiction need global political attention because a lack of safety networks makes AFMs especially vulnerable.

Commonalities and Variations

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2025年

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Sari Kaarina Lindeman,
Lillian Bruland Selseng

摘要

This chapter describes research-based knowledge based on summarized research and several systematic literature reviews (Orford et al., Drugs Educ Prev Policy 17(sup1):44–62, 2010; Kourgiantakis et al., J Soc Work Pract Addict 13(4):353–72, 2013; Orford et al., Coping with alcohol and drug problems: the experiences of family members in three contrasting cultures, Routledge, Oxfordshire, 2013; Lindeman et al., Drugs Educ Prev Policy 1–13, 2021; Orford, Drugs Educ Prev Policy 24(1):9–16, 2017; Lindeman et al., Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 18(1):2202970, 2023) about commonalities and variations in the addiction-affected family members’ (AFMs) experiences. Living with a relative’s addiction, such as problematic substance use or problem gambling, is often described as highly stressful, with severe and far-reaching consequences, including uncertainty, worries, and complicated family life. The families’ understanding of addiction changes often with time, involving constant adaptation and reevaluating of resources for helping the family member with addiction. AFMs who just knew about a family member’s addiction, AFMs who have lived with these challenges for several years and AFMs experiencing long-term recovery have a different focus. The hardship AFMs experience varies and seems to be affected to different degrees, depending on the closeness of the relationship and how dependent AFM is on the person with the addiction. The family members’ roles and positions in the family and how the environments, such as networks and societies, relate to families experiencing addiction are variations that impact their situation. Many AFMs experience isolation and lack support and help from services, communities, and societies. Families are especially vulnerable in countries where the welfare system has fewer resources, and citizens may experience insecurity. Addiction services in many countries still struggle to incorporate family involvement into routine treatment practices and need better structures to include family members. The experience of addiction and recovery from a family perspective is complex, diverse, and multifaceted, and professionals need awareness of both commonalities and variations. For AFMs experiencing the accumulated burden of several problems simultaneously, increased awareness is required. Another important notice is that complex social problems such as addiction need global political attention because a lack of safety networks makes AFMs especially vulnerable.