Drug Addiction and Families

Marina Barnard

• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
• Year: 2006
• Print ISBN: 9781843104032
• eBook ISBN: 9781846425653
• Topic: Psychology
• Subtopic: Addiction in Psychology
• Index: Psychology

Drug problems have a profound impact on families. Mothers and fathers, brothers, sisters and children are frequently caught in the maelstrom that drug problems almost inevitably create. Within the UK there is a serious lack of information on the experiences of families attempting to live and cope with a family members' drug problem. Drug Addiction and Families is an exploration of the impact of drug use on families, and of the extent to which current practice meets the needs of families as well as problem drug users.

Drawing on a substantial research study comprising interviews with problem drug users and their extended family, Marina Barnard examines the effects of drug use not only on drug users themselves, but also the feelings of anger, sadness, anxiety, shame and loss that are commonly experienced by their extended family. She records the effects of drug use on family dynamics and relationships, including possible social and emotional costs. Its impact on the physical and mental health of family members is also discussed. The author highlights the often overlooked role of grandparents in protecting the children of drug users and considers the perspectives of practitioners such as teachers, social workers and health professionals. The conclusions drawn point to the fact that current service provision, in treating the problem drug user in isolation, fails to address the needs of drug-affected families, and misses the opportunity to develop family-oriented support and treatment.

This accessible and insightful book is invaluable reading for drug workers, social workers, health professionals and all practitioners working with families affected by drug use.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Of related interest
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Acknowledgements
• Contents
• Foreword
• Chapter 1: What is the Problem?
• Chapter 2: Family Journeys of Discovery, Adaptation and Expulsion: Cycles of Response to Drugs in the Family
• Chapter 3: Distorted Roles and Strained Relationships
• Chapter 4: Practitioner Responses to Mothers and Fathers, Brothers and Sisters of Problem Drug Users
• Chapter 5: Parenting in the Midst of a Drug Problem
• Chapter 6: Children Growing Up with Parents who have Drug Problems
• Chapter 7: Stepping into the Breach: When the Extended Family Takes on the Care of Children
• Chapter 8: Proliferating Problems: Exposure to Drugs and Drug Initiation
• Chapter 9: Practitioner Responses to Drugs in the Home
• Chapter 10: Conclusion: What Needs to Happen: A Case of Tinkering or Overhaul?
• References
• Subject Index
• Author Index