Research project: The impact of substance misuse on the family

Gemma Salter and David Clark

The aim of this study was to conduct a detailed qualitative analysis into the impact of substance misuse on the family, from the point of view of parents of users. Semi-structured interviews (adapted from the work of Velleman et al., 1993) were conducted with ten parents, who were recruited from a drug and alcohol agency and a family support agency.

A Grounded Theory approach was adopted to analyse the transcribed interview data. Eight major themes emerged from the analysis, which are referred to as confusion, imbalance/pervasion of the substance misuse problem, heightened negative emotions, family support/treatment, coping, general outcomes, family outcomes, and other stressors.

Although the emphasis is slightly different, the results have been integrated to form a model that strongly supports the stress-strain-coping-support model, described by Velleman and colleagues (1998). The study highlights the need for more research on the family, and the results clearly provide a sound basis for future study.

This piece of research was Gemma Salter's 3rd Year undergraduate project, carried out under the supervision of DC, for which she shared the prize for the best project of the year.

Detailed report available in pdf format