Coping with a loved one's substance use disorder or gambling disorder: what strategies really help?

Abstract

Family members of people with substance use or gambling disorders (SUD/GD) struggle to cope with ongoing impacts to family life. Effective coping is critical but it is unclear which strategies are helpful for family members, as research is lacking. Female spouses/partners of people with SUD/GD (N=211) reported helpfulness and use of engaged, tolerant, and withdrawal coping strategies. Withdrawal coping was most helpful, and commonly used. Some engaged coping strategies were unhelpful but frequently used. Coping is complex; research is needed into effective coping for differing goals and contexts Professionals should empower family members to use strategies helpful to their well-being.