Quality of life of drug abusers' family members: a qualitative study in Moldova

Abstract

The dramatic increase of drug addiction in Moldova started in 1992, due to political, economic, and social changes in the country. As the result the incidence and prevalence of drug users is increasing every year, targeting more young people. Drug abuse induces fundamental changes in personality and makes people susceptible to psychiatric illnesses. It has a negative impact on the family members (family conflicts, divorces, physical and psychological abuse, neglect etc.) and on the other members of the society (ethical aspects). Drug abusers drain the family and society economic resources. Abuse of illicit drugs deludes people out of participation in social development, and hence, detracts from quality of the life of drug addicted persons and the people surrounding them. This study is an attempt to describe quality of life of the drug abusers family members applying the qualitative study design, using in-depth interview sessions to describe different areas of human life: describing psycho –emotional status, describing self reported well being, satisfaction of needs, and social completion of the study participants. As well, the researcher tried to reveal the participants needs for information regarding the drug abuse/addiction and the ways they would prefer to obtain this information. The main study findings are: the presence of the drug abuser in a family if a big challenge for other family members and have a negative impact on their quality of life; they suffer physically and psychologically. Very often they put on risk their well being and mental health trying to deal with the drug abuser; their personal and social needs are often deprived. Based on this a number of recommendations were maid and put forward.