A qualitative exploration of affected family members’ responses to methamphetamine use using the family resilience framework

Introduction

Families affected by a loved one’s methamphetamine use experience substantial harm and burden. Pathologising views have been dominant in understanding families’ experiences, reinforcing stigma and limiting support provision and access. Using a family-resilience framework, this qualitative study aimed to identify adaptations in response to the stress and strain of supporting a loved one with methamphetamine use.

Methods

Recruitment occurred between March-October 2021 across Australia as part of a larger study assessing the feasibility of a program to support families affected by a loved one’s methamphetamine use. Twenty-four participants (21 women, 3 men) completed semi-structured phone interviews at baseline. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed, aided by iterative categorisation. A systematic manual of deductive codes guided analysis, with inductive codes integrated as identified in the data. The family-resilience framework informed final theme development.

Results

Participants identified changes to their belief systems guiding how they understood and responded to their loved one’s methamphetamine use. Analyses identified four key themes: (1) acceptance and resignation, (2) integrating alternate perspectives to foster compassion for self and others, (3) developing purpose and connection to larger values through spirituality, philanthropy, and/or reconnection with self-identity, and (4) enduring hope and a positive outlook while acknowledging ongoing challenges.

Conclusions

Adaptations in the belief systems of families affected by a loved one’s methamphetamine use may facilitate resilience. Treatment design should consider methods that facilitate resilience, such as providing different conceptualisations of addiction to support acceptance and facilitate reconnection with self-identity and personal wellbeing.