Affected family members’ experience of and coping with aggression and violence within the context of problematic substance use: a qualitative study

摘要

BackgroundFamilies have an important role supporting a family member with problematic substance use (PSU), although this can often be challenging and confronting. Previous research has identified high rates of family aggression and violence within the context of PSU, although few studies have examined this issue from the perspective of affected family members (AFMs) supporting a member with PSU. The aims of the current study were to understand AFMs’ experience of aggression and violence while supporting a member with PSU, and to explicate the strategies they used to prevent and cope with this behaviour.